1953-2026
Richard Dean "Smitty" Smith, 73, of DeWitt passed away July 9, 2026. He was born February 8, 1953, in Stuttgart, to Robert Read "Bob" and Iris Hart Smith.
Smitty married his high school sweetheart, Debbie Green, in August 1974. They built a wonderful family together.
He was a member and deacon at St. Charles Baptist Church, and farmer for 50 years. Smitty loved to hunt, especially duck hunting. He duck guided for over 30 years, sharing his love duck hunting with others.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Ronnie Smith.
Smitty is survived by his wife of 51 years Debbie Smith; his children Eric Smith (Jennifer) of Almyra and Stephanie Brown (Jeremiah) of Ferndale; three grandsons Austin Brown (Kyleigh), Read and Wyatt Smith; and one great granddaughter Abby Brown.
Visitation will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, July 13 at Essex Funeral Home with funeral services beginning at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow in Crockett's Bluff Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to St. Charles Baptist Church, P.O. Box 241, St. Charles, AR 72140 or Crockett's Bluff Cemetery, P.O. 56, Crockett's Bluff, AR 72038.
