PRAIRIE GROVE — William “Bill” G. Smith

left this world on March 3rd with his two daughters by his side. Bill was born on November 14, 1943, to Garland and Talberta Smith (nee Malone) in West Fork, Ark.

He dropped out of high school in ninth grade to help support his family due to both his parents being disabled. He had one brother, Rusty, several half-sisters, and one half-brother.

He lied on his form and joined the Army at 17 years old. During his 27 years, he fought in Vietnam, boxed in the Golden Gloves and spent time in Germany. He retired with full honors receiving numerous medals including three Bronze Stars.

Before and during/after his military career, he worked as a cement finisher for John Westlin Concrete, where he retired. He was deemed one the best cement finishers in and around Arkansas. Even after retirement and well into his 70s, they called him to ask if he would come in to teach the other finishers how to do it.

Bill loved to drink, dance, and spend time with family and friends. He loved playing his guitar, listening to music, fishing, gardening, hunting, swimming, and just being in nature. When someone came to visit, you were sure to find him sitting on the porch, beer in hand, music in the background and him just soaking up the sun and nature. He absolutely loved dancing with his daughters to Fleetwood Mac.

He is proceeded in death by his parents; brothers and sisters; his daughter, Maggie Faye; and a granddaughter, Amanda.

He leaves behind his daughters, Eva Marie Klein of the home in Prairie Grove, Opel Renee Smith of Luther, Okla.; grandchildren, Tiffany, Jazlyn, Eric, Donnie, Madelyn, Justine, and twins Norman and Preston, who is following in his grandfather’s footsteps

by serving in the U.S. Navy; several great-grandchildren; dear friends, Ashley and Jason Newman, Duck and Tiana; along with many, many other friends and family.

He will have a celebration of life on April 20, 2024, at 2 p.m. in Prairie Grove, Ark. For further information and details you can contact Eva or Opel.