WENDELL SMITH

"The Last Mile"

Thomas Wendell Smith was presented to his parents, O. T. Smith and Mamie Ruffin Smith on July 8, 1930 in North Little Rock, Arkansas. Wendell grew up in the Military Heights Community of North Little Rock.  He graduated from Scipio A. Jones High School of North Little Rock. Wendell believed that education was  the door by which  opportunities for a more enriched life could be obtained. After having various work experiences, Wendell decided to returned to college where he matriculated at Shorter College earning a A.A. degree, as well as Philander Smith College where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business.   

As a young child, Wendell and his cousin, Billie Jean (McNeely) enjoyed the excitement of play time together.  Wendell was known to be a well dressed and dapper in style. The Smith family grew up in Lee Chapel AME Church in North Little Rock, where he accepted Christ as his Savior. Although he continued to frequent Lee Chapel  (where two of children Rev. Pamela Smith Matthews, Roderick Kelly Smith, along with life time friends currently attend)  as an adult, Wendell moved his membership  to Bullock Temple CME Church where he remained a faithful member until his demise. Wendell's favorite scriptures were Psalm 91 & John 14. Wendell was grateful to God for the grace and favor granted to him. His favorite songs of praise were

Later in life, Mr. O.T. Smith remarried Rev. Mrs. Gertrude Haley Smith, with these two unions Wendell had a great number of siblings, all of which preceded him in death. He always said that he wanted to outlive all of them, and he did. Preceded in death by; his parents: O.T, Mamie, Gertrude. Siblings: James, Herman, O.T. Jr., Lawrence, Eloise, Oswald, Faye, Eugena, Marcell, Otevee(Cookie), Nancy Jo, May, Delores. Children: Hilma Smith Walker. Mother in-law: Azzie Lee Owens and several other In-Laws, relatives and friends.  

As life progressed, he started working with his father Mr. O.T. Smith at his funeral home  (O.T. SMITH & SONS in NLR) which began in November 1928 on 513 E. Washington Street, which is now the overpass for I-30 & East Washington Street. Later the business moved to 1007 East Broadway, NLR. As he worked for his father, he became acquainted with Bishop Wallace, Alex Raymond Watson (who looked up to Wendell as a fatherly figure and friend until passing in 2023), Marshall Kelley, and Lloyd Craighead. All of which became professional licensed Funeral Directors and Embalmers and remained with the company for many years.

Daddy enjoyed watching westerns, the news, the Wednesday night boxing fights on the tv as well as other sports. He loved sports, especially the San Francisco 49ers, and Minnesota Vikings, LA Lakers, Dodgers, Cleveland Browns when Jim Brown played, Nascar racing, Razorbacks, Milwaukee Bucks with Sydney Moncrief, and his all time favorite game of challenge was the LA Lakers vs the Boston Celtics. He also loved Track, where he ran the 100 yard dash with a 9:6. Talk about skating, that he could do, almost as well as the  pros. He taught his children how to skate so well that he would race them skating and foot racing down the streets. 

His favorite scripture was Psalm 91 in its entirety, if he knew someone had some issues, he would tell them to read it and believe so that they can make it through. His favorite songs were Amazing Grace, May the Works that I've done speak for Me (especially when sung by Mr. Jerome Muldrew),  Wendell loved his family, church, and pastors. He would always support the pastors of Bullock without grumbling. He was a member of the BTCMEC Male choir and the Steward Board, until his health began to decline. He was very very grateful for the pastors and members that would take the time to call or come by to visit, especially for communion to him and to mom. . 

At an early age Wendell married Eunice Johnson, many years later, he married Dorothy Owens, to these unions were born nine beautiful and loving children. He would always say "Me and God got a thing going on." During his days of transitioning, he would say God and Jesus got me, don't worry." On Sundays after church it was a treat for all of us to go to Sweeten Creme or McDonalds for ice cream. On Sunday mornings, daddy would go to KOKY radio station and broadcast live about burial insurance for O.T. Smith & Sons Funeral Home, then he would close out with their slogan "Our price is matter of your choice, in fact, no worthy client ever turned away, we have a price for every purse."

He and mom would always make sure that we had a good Christmas with toys, bikes, etc. after looking in the OTASCO catalogues. What a life. They would always call everyone on their birthdays and sing the "Happy Birthday" song. He and mom would always tell us to do our best no matter what, if you're a ditch digger, be the best ditch digger around.

Wendell always worked hard, he worked for Sterling/cash Wholesale, and retired from Commercial Warehouse of Little Rock. He did paper routes with his children. He and Wendell Phillip and Hilma started the THREE SMITHS JANITORIAL SERVICE, which is currently being operated by Kelly Smith. 

Wendell transitioned into eternity with a glimpse of glory and on his own terms on December 2, 2023 surrounded by his  family, at The Blossoms of Midtown Rehab Center of Little Rock. He was a loving person, and loved by many. The chain has been broken by his departure. He leaves to cherish his love, laughter and legacy: his Wife of many years; Dorothy Smith. Children; Terrilynn Jones, Rev. Wendell Phillip (Eljean) Smith, Nickie Smith, Rev. Pam Smith, Minister Penny (Melvin) Potts, Rev. Dr. Rosalynn Smith Brookins, Kelly (Shirley Coleman-) Smith, Anitra Smith. Brother-in-law Tauheed (Shedra) Rashad and a great host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Have a Merry Christmas Thomas Wendell Smith, this will be your best ever! With love, your family.  

Services are as scheduled for Friday, December 15th from 4:00-6:30pm at the funeral home. Saturday, December 16th: Visitation from 9:45-11 a.m., funeral 11 a.m., both services will be at Bullock Temple C.M.E. Church, 1513 South Park Street in Little Rock (across from Little Rock Central High School). Kelly Smith Funeral & Cremation Services will be serving the Smith families.

For more information, sign online guest register, send flowers/cards/condolences/photos and light an "In Loving Memory Of" candle: www.kellysmithfunerals.com * 501-612-5607. "Because serving YOU, really does MATTER."

*** SPECIAL NOTES ***  

Click on the     "SERVICE DETAILS" button,   to get updated time and location information. (The Wake, family hour and gathering of family and friends CAN mean all the same in some circumstances, PLEASE read "SERVICE DETAILS" to be correctly informed) 

Click on the     "TRIBUTE WALL or GUEST BOOK" button, to LIGHT A CANDLE and to see all photos, click on a photo to enlarge them. Then click the L or R to see all photos. 

Click on the     "FLOWERS & GIFTS" button,  SO THAT YOU CAN SEND FLOWERS/CARDS/BLANKETS/GIFTS.  

WE WOULD LIKE TO ENCOURAGE THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS TO CONTINUE TO LIGHT A CANDLE, UPLOAD PHOTOS AND SEND WORDS OF SENTIMENT ON THIS MEMORIAL PAGE THROUGHOUT THE DAYS, MONTHS AND YEARS TO COME. ESPECIALLY, DURING DAYS OF SPECIAL EVENTS, i.e. BIRTHDAYS, HOLIDAYS, ANNIVERSARY AND THEN ON DAYS WHEN YOU JUST WANT TO SAY SOMETHING TO OR ABOUT YOUR LOVED ONES FOR NO SPECIAL REASON.  (DESIGN AND COLORS CAN BE CHANGED)

THIS MEMORIAL PAGE WILL REMAIN ON OUR WEBSITE INDEFINITELY. DO SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS, FEELINGS AND PHOTOS WITH THE FAMILY, THEY WILL APPRECIATE IT VERY MUCH.  

(We would also appreciate it if you will RATE us, on GOOGLE, and leave a comment on "TESTIMONIAL PAGE" of this MEMORIAL PAGE of your loved one)