A.T. Smith

Alfred Thomas "A.T." Smith passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at Fayetteville. He was born on June 8, 1929, the third of four children of Ola Paul and Florence Jean (Bandeen) Smith. He attended grade school in Hindsville and graduated from Huntsville State Vocational School in 1945, at the age of 15. He remarked how he owed his education to teachers that meant so much to him: Stella Ellis, Claude Johnson, and Newt Reynolds.

At age 16, A.T. attended the University of Arkansas, where he studied for over two years. He then spent three years teaching Agriculture to Veterans before serving in the U.S. Army. He later became the Postmaster of Hindsville, where he tenured for 35 years. Beyond that, he lived a full life as a merchant and farmer, while pioneering the first bulk fertilizer business in Madison County.

A.T. is preceded in death by his first wife, Georgia Mae Hemphill Smith, to whom he was married on September 29, 1956, for 55 years; his parents, Ola and Florence Smith; his sister, Liz Coger; his brother, P.J. Smith; his niece, Janice Sue Smith; and his nephew, Butch Coger. He is also preceded in death by his second wife, Lila Ruth Roles Smith and his cousin, Pat Grubbs.

He is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Camelia Smith; his four nieces, Paulette Coger, Whitney Smith, Kym McAlister, and Vidi Qualls; and his four nephews, P.J. Smith Jr., Jerry Runner Smith, Dwayne Smith, and Jim Bill Smith. He also leaves behind four great-nieces Linda, Melanie, Natalie, and Frances; six great-nephews, Paul James, Alex, Hudson, Samuel, Micah, and Liam; two great-great-nieces, Johnna and Josie; five great-great-nephews, Matthew, P.J. IV, Kingston, Samson, and Isaac; and great-great-great niece and nephew, Adeline & Jack. He is also survived by his stepson Steve and Tammy Grigg; step-grandson Brandt and Katie; step-great-grands, Landon, Bowen, and Emerson; his companion, Debbie Young; and many cousins.

A.T. loved being surrounded by people and was a great historian. His generosity reached far beyond his family and into his community. He contributed to the building of the AT & Georgia Mae Smith Activity Center and the Georgia Mae Smith Park, in Hindsville. He also helped preserve the Little Ole Opry in West Fork, maintained local cemeteries, and gave freely to many charities. His life was marked by service, hard work, and a sincere devotion to others.

A.T. will be deeply missed and warmly remembered. His legacy will live on in the hearts he touched and the lives he blessed.

The family will receive friends 1:00 PM-2:00 PM, Thursday, January 29, 2026, at the AT & Georgia Mae Smith Activity Center . Funeral services will immediately follow at 2:00 PM with Lonnie Siler officiating. Pallbearers will be Jason McClure, Scott Bowen, Clifford Marbut, Matthew Marbut, Nathan Sizemore, and Ben King. Honorary pallbearers will be Junior Smith, Jerry Smith, Dwayne Smith, Jim Bill Smith, and Shelby Sisemore. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in A.T.'s name may be made to the Georgia Mae Smith Park, PO Box 102, Hindsville, Arkansas 72738. Services are entrusted to Brashears Funeral Home and Crematory of Huntsville.