Donald Howard Smith, 72, of Fort Smith, Arkansas passed away on Tuesday, November 18, 2014 in a local hospital. He was born on January 20, 1942 in Little Rock, Arkansas to Russell D. and Frances (Reynolds) Smith. He was a member of the Red Key honor society of Castle Heights Military Academy. Following high school he attended and graduated from the University of Arkansas and started his career in the management training program of J.C. Penny Corporation. Don was a long time entrepreneur in the Fort Smith area and owned several business’ throughout his career including, Don’s Inc., Marie’s and Spirits Wine. After retirement he decided to go into banking, he worked in management for Sun Trust Bank in the metropolitan Washington D.C. area. His final employment was one that was very special to him; he was called upon to be a substitute teacher at Southside High School and thoroughly enjoyed the kids that he taught. He was an active member of First United Methodist Church having served on numerous committees and boards and was a member of the Discussion Sunday School Class.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00PM, Monday, November 24, 2014 at First United Methodist Church. Services and cremation are under the direction of Ocker-Putman Funeral Home of Fort Smith, Arkansas.
He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Marie; one daughter, Christen McGowan and her husband Brian of Orange County, CA; two grandchildren, Griffin and Grady McGowan of Orange County, CA and one brother, Russell A. Smith and his wife Maureen of Annapolis, MD.
The family will visit with friends following the service in the Narthex of the church.
Memorials may be made to the Scholarship and Financial Aid Program in Donald H. Smith’s name to Linden Hall School, 212 E. Main St. Lititz, PA 17543 or UAFS Foundation College of Business School Fund in Donald H. Smith’s name, P.O. Box 3649 Fort Smith, AR 72913-3649 or to First United Methodist Church 200 North 15th St. Fort Smith, AR 72901.