1942-2025
Don Edgar Smith, 83, of Pine Bluff, died Monday, December 1, 2025, at home.
He was born February 25, 1942, in Pine Bluff, son of Louie and Warnia Byerly Smith.
Don was reared and received his early education in Pine Bluff, graduating from Pine Bluff High School.
He retired from the United States Army after 20 years of dedicated service.
After his military service, Don returned to Pine Bluff, where he worked as a maintenance supervisor for several places including the Pine Bluff Arsenal, NCTR and Pine Bluff School District. He owned and operated AAA Storage and Auto Sales and retired as the owner and operator of Hazel Street Exxon a week before his passing.
Along with his parents, Don was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Copeland Thompson Smith; two brothers, Gene Smith and Ronnie Smith; and two sisters, Pat DeWiggins and Carolyn Tabor.
Survivors include his son, Gary Don Smith; daughter, Debra Kay Dunks (John); step-children, Jackie (Sandra) Thompson, Randy (Paula) Thompson and Stephen (Merri) Thompson; sister, Judy Zach; two brothers, Leon Smith and Jerry Smith; eight grandchildren, Steven Tolle, Alyssa Smith, Bailey Smith, Janice Thompson, Elisabeth Thompson, Brent Thompson, Christine Thompson and Cody Thompson; and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, December 9, 2025, in the Chapel of Ralph Robinson and Son with Brother Wes Woolley officiating. Interment will follow with military honors in Nicholson Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday afternoon from 12:30 p.m. until service time at Robinson’s.
