Faber "Dean" Smith Obituary (1929 - 2020)

You are invited to view the complete service for Dean Smith on our YouTube Channel and this link: FABER DEAN SMITH CELEBRATION OF LIFE SERVICES Faber "Dean" Smith, 91, of Russellville, died Wednesday, December 23, 2020, at Brookdale Senior Living Center in Russellville. The son of Thomas and Ezzie Leann (Dodd) Smith, he was born August 7, 1929, in Greenbrier, Arkansas. Dean enlisted in the Arkansas National Guard and later the United States Navy. He rose to the rank of Chief Yeoman during both the Korean and Vietnam war eras over his highly-decorated 30-year military career. Following his military retirement, Dean earned an associate's degree from Little Rock School of Business and worked with the Arkansas State Revenue Department. He was a member of the New Life United Pentecostal Church of Alma. Ministry and worship were important faith values to Dean and he served as a Sunday School Superintendent during part of his church life. He loved to travel, fish, collect knives, enjoyed carpentry work and loved to tinker with automobiles. In fact, he assembled his first truck in 1948, from the chassis up. Dean was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of nearly 68 years, Inez (Langford) Smith; and two brothers, Earl Smith and Jarrell Smith. He is survived by his two sons, Michael Smith (Margie) of Russellville, and Jeffrey Smith (Cathy) of Conway; four grandsons: Anthony Smith (Emily) of Tacoma, Washington; Andrew Smith (Amanda) of Little Rock; Christopher Smith (Jessica) of Conway; and, Nathan Smith (Ashley) of Cabot; and eleven beloved great grandchildren. A private family funeral service will be held Wednesday, December 30, 2020, at Humphrey Funeral Chapel, and live-streamed for other friends and relatives. Rev. Joe Dunn and Rev. Nathan Smith will officiate. Burial will be at Center Valley Memorial Gardens in Russellville by Humphrey Funeral Service. The family would encourage you to make a donation in Dean's memory to the charity of your choice. Internet obituary and on-line guest book are available at www.humphreyfuneral.com.