George Smith III's Obituary
George Smith III brightened his parent’s life on April 25, 1948 in Hope, Arkansas. His parents George “Boots” Smith and Lillie Mae (Thomas) Smith noticed his quick wit and character.
At a young age George developed an educational background with encouragement from his mom. In 1953, George went to Hopewell Elementary School and moved on to the Yerger High School graduating in 1965.
With a push from his dad, George went to Prairie View A&M for two years and later transferred to Pine Bluff A&M in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. He was a little shy of completing his major in Engineering as he was a very good math student.
He joined Rising Star Baptist Church in Hope, Arkansas where at an early age his grandfather, George Smith Sr, prayed the first prayer and where his father was a trustee and a deacon. In later years, George prayed at his home church on the anniversary date of his grandfather’s prayer. He and his siblings were raised up in the church and were given a special boost to attend Sunday School which has followed him to this day.
George worked at Crescent Drugstore in Hope, Arkansas, which gave him a chance to interact with all races during the time when races didn’t mix with each other. He delivered medicine to neighbors. He also worked at Glenn Shoe Store in Hope as an apprentice. In 1977 he moved to Dallas, Texas. His work history involved: Manor Bread, Klepac Steel, Redmon Furniture Moving Co., Insulation Factory, Budget Insurance Company, Diversco Insulation Company, Union National Insurance Company and Schepps Wholesale Distribution/Southern Glazer Distribution where he retired in 2021 after serving 37 years. This sat him on stable grounds and he flourished from then on.
He didn’t forget about church. He joined Freedom Missionary Baptist Church in 1984 under the leadership of Pastor M.T. Flemmings, where he was an active member. He was appointed deacon, was Sunday School Superintendent and worked with the men’s group as time permitted. He also worked with the prison ministry.
In 2000, he had an interest in bible study and chose to attend Southern Bible Institute in Dallas, Texas. He graduated with an Associate’s Degree in Theology and practiced by spreading the word to all he met.
In 2008, he joined Concord Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Bryan Carter and served in the Sunday School as a co-teacher and later the lead teacher of his own Sunday School class (Smith & Christopher).
George was proceeded in death by his daughter Gwendolyn Roshelle Smith; his mother and father; his eldest brother, Rev. Robert Dean “RD” Smith; younger brother, Rev. James Edward Smith; nephew Rev. Cecil Smith; great-nephew Cecil Smith; sister-in-love Dr. Velma Prince Smith; and brother-in-love Julius Othello Elliby.
He leaves to cherish his memory: His wife Judy (Clay) Smith (Cedar Hill, TX); sons Frederick L. Smith (Maria Elvie)(Philippines) and George Smith IV (Dallas, TX); daughter Angela Brown White (Daniel)(Nashville, TN); grandsons Caibryon Geordon Smith (Cedar Hill, TX) and Jeremy Witherspoon (Nashville, TN) and granddaughters Jasmine Brown and Javonna Brown (Nashville, TN).
He also leaves his sister Gwendolyn Elliby (Arlington, TX); two brothers, Dr. Roscoe C. Smith (Arlington, TX) and Jimmy C. Smith (Hope, AR). A host of nieces, nephews and cousins will all remember his love, generosity, and jokes.
What’s your fondest memory of George?
What’s a lesson you learned from George?
Share a story where George's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with George you’ll never forget.
How did George make you smile?
