Mr. Arnold Wayne "A.W." Smith

A Celebration of Life service for Mr. Arnold "A.W." Wayne Smith, 89 of Henderson will be held at 11:00 AM on Sunday, December 28, 2025 at First Baptist Church of Omen with Pastor Hal Jacobs officiating. Graveside services will be held at 3:00 PM on Sunday, December 28, 2025 at Bridges Cemetery in the Chapman Community.

Mr. Smith passed away December 14, 2025 at Hospice of East Texas in Tyler. He was born December 26, 1935 in Amherst, Texas to Franklin L. and Bernice (Propes) Smith. A.W. graduated from Henderson High School and then graduated from Kilgore College, where he went to learn to be a millwright. Mr. Smith served his country in the United States Air Force for over twenty years. During his military career, he obtained the rank of Staff Seargent, and guarded the B-52 Bombers with his canine partner, Rene. After his retirement from the Air Force, A.W. returned to Henderson and owned and operated Eastside Auto until his second retirement. A.W. had a great sense of humor and enjoyed working in his garden in his spare time. A.W. also enjoyed traveling and drove an R.V. to Alaska three times. In fact, A.W. visited every state in the United States except Hawaii, which he would have driven to if there was a bridge. A.W. was a born-again Christian, who had a great love for the Lord, and witnessed to everyone he met.

A.W. was preceded in death by his parents, Franklin and Bernice Smith; and his brothers, Donald Smith, Jerry Smith, and Charlie Smith.

Survivors include his wife of 34 years, Betty (Duke) Smith; children, Billie McLouth and husband Bruce, Ronald Smith, Danny Duke, Julie Duke, Randy Duke; 11 Grandchildren and 20 Great Grandchildren; sisters, Sharlotte Wallace of Henderson, Darlene Grant of Wisconsin; and a host of nieces, nephews, other family, and friends.

Honorary pallbearers Bruce McLouth, Bucky Duke, Triston Sessions, and Jacob Bathke.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to First Baptist Church of Omen, 17912 CR 285, Arp, Texas 75750.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.crawfordacrim.com.