Michael Shane Smith, age 52, of Culpepper, passed from this life on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at UAMS in Little Rock, Arkansas. He was born January 7, 1974, the beloved son of Ernest and Katie Smith.

Mike was a cowboy by nature and at heart. He believed in hard work, truth, friendship, and the value of a man’s word—where a handshake still meant everything. Throughout his life, he held many jobs, spending 18 years with Arkansas Electric before retiring to the family farm. He later served as ranch foreman for Smith Cattle Ranch on Culpepper Mountain.

Another great passion in Mike’s life was rodeo. He was a part of the Arkansas Cowboys Association; he also won numerous championships in bull riding through the Arkansas Rodeo Association and the National Rodeo Association of Bull Riders of America. Mike also earned rookie status on the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) Super Bull Tour.

His greatest joy was teaching children how to ride and fight bulls, sharing his knowledge, grit, and love for the sport with the next generation.

Left to cherish his memory are his mother, Katie Smith of Culpepper; his precious daughter, Clara Jewel Smith of Bee Branch; step-sister, Sandra (Shawn) Bostian of Choctaw; uncle, David Irby (Reni) of Searcy; adopted sister, Deedra and Missy Smith of Culpepper and adopted/tag along, Kirsten Huie; nephews, Chris and Kevin Fraser of Choctaw and Sam Irby of Searcy; along with many other relatives and dear friends.

Mike was preceded in death by his father, Ernest Smith.

Honorary pallbearers are Marcus Rivera, James Reed, Kenny Mooney, Jonathan Huie, Tim Kappold, Blake Fowler, Dane McCracken, and Colter Davis.

A memorial service for Mike will be held Sunday, January 11, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Damascus Road Cowboy Church in Damascus, Arkansas, with Brother Jeff Deckard and Sister Sheila Gardner officiating. A private burial will be held at Culpepper Cemetery in Clinton.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Ozark View Funeral Home. To share a memory or offer words of comfort to the family, please visit www.ozarkviewfuneralhome.com.