Audra Smith

1930 - 2008

Audra Smith, 78, of Russellville, Ark., died on Friday, October 17, 2008, at Saint Mary's Regional Medical Center in Russellville. The daughter of Floyd and Jessie Cude Hardcastle, she was born July 28, 1930, in Lamar. Audra married Robert H. "Bob" Smith on August 16, 1949, in Russellville. She was a loving and supportive wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and aunt. She was devoted to her family and friends. Audra was admired by family and friends alike for the love and compassion which she demonstrated on a daily basis. She was a devoted employee of Cogswell Motors for 28 and one half years, where she served in a series of administrative positions.
Audra was an active member of the Russellville Downtown Rotary Club serving as President of the Club during the 2001 to 2002 Rotary Year. She was the creator and driving force behind the "Read to Little Me" program which provided books to newborn babies. She was a "Paul Harris" Fellow and a Rotary Benefactor. She was selected Rotarian of the Year for District 6170 in 2003. She was active in not only her local club's projects but also in service to her district and was honored as District 6170's Rotarian of the Year in 2003. She was selected to serve as Assistant District Governor in 2002 to 2003. Audra thought of her fellow Rotarians as members of her extended family.
She was a member of First Baptist Church of Russellville. She was preceded in death by her husband; and her parents; two brothers, Marzo Hardcastle and Richard Hardcastle; and one sister, Ruby Rodden.
She is survived by her son, R. Stephen Smith, M.D. and his wife, Nellie, of Roanoke, Va.; a grandson, Ryan Michael Smith, of Wichita, Kan.; a granddaughter, Nicole Rieko Smith, of Roanoke, Va.; two sisters, Euna Dickey, of Russellville, and Velma Lee, of Dover; a special niece, Pam Newton, of Oklahoma City, Okla.; and numerous, nieces, nephews and other family and friends.
Funeral service will be held 10 a.m. on Wednesday, October 22, 2008, at Humphrey Chapel with Dr. Stephen Davis officiating. Burial will be at Rest Haven Memorial Park at Russellville, under the direction of Humphrey Funeral Service. Visitation will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. today, October 21, 2008, at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Russellville Downtown Rotary Club, P.O. Box 309, Russellville, Ark. 72811. Internet obituary and guest book are available at www.humphreyfuneral.com.
Active pallbearers will be Jan Taylor, Leroy Shatwell, Dickey Shatwell, Mike Newton, Mark Styles and Ryan Smith. Honorary pallbearers will be Don Moak, Melvin Robinson, Baxter Breashears, the Russellville Downtown Rotary Club and Employees of Cogswell Motors.