TEXARKANA, Texas — Willis B. Smith, Jr.,

passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 4, 2021, at his home surrounded by friends, family, and family under the care of Hospice of Texarkana. “B.”, as he was known, was born and raised in Texarkana, and was the beloved son of Willis and Gertrude Smith. He attended the Baylor School in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and graduated from the University of Arkansas with a law degree. He was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. B. worked as an attorney with his father for many years and served as City Attorney. During David Pryor’s administration as Governor of Arkansas, B. held the position of Director of Public Safety, overseeing the state police, national guard, and alcohol beverage control commission.

He was a lifetime member of the Texarkana Country Club where he served as President of the Board of Directors. B. felt his greatest accomplishment was his 35 years of sobriety. Besides his family, B.’s other true love was The Hempstead Country Club, Grassy Lake, where he enjoyed duck hunting with friends, and the experience of nature and the outdoors.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Patty, whom he loved greatly. Other surviving family members include his daughter, Virginia; son, Charles; and grandson, Wyeth. His family and friends will miss him dearly but feel blessed to have known such a kind, funny and sweet man.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests the donations be sent to one of the causes he supported; Nature Conservancy, Opportunities, Inc. The Serenity Club, Arkansas PBS, or a charity of choice. A Memorial graveside service will be held at 11 a.m., on Thursday, December 9, 2021, at Hillcrest Memorial Park.