Mr. Boyd Stephen Smith

Boyd S. Smith was born on July 26, 1956, in DeQueen, Arkansas, to Boyd and Ina Lou Smith of Cove, Arkansas. At just two weeks old, he took his first train trip to Ohio with his mother and the family dog-tucked in a picnic basket-to meet his father, who was working out of state on the pipeline.
Between his junior and senior years of high school, Boyd joined Herb Shreve on a motorcycle trip over the Continental Divide and into Canada. He waited until he made it all the way back to Cove to finally wreck that motorcycle.
Boyd graduated from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville in 1980 with a degree in Business Administration. He went on to take over his parents' grocery business, Smith's Food Center, which he operated for many years.
After retiring from his business, Boyd worked a few seasons on the river with his sister, Gayla. She was never quite sure whether he was there to keep her from sinking in the chaos-or just for the free kayaking benefits.
A man of curiosity and creativity, Boyd had a lifelong interest in photography and amassed thousands of pictures from his many adventures. His travels took him from Alaska's wild beauty to the streets of New York and the shores of Hawaii with his siblings. He floated the Colorado River with friends, vacationed with his kids along the California coast, and journeyed through eight countries in Europe with his mother and friends, just to name a few.
Not long after returning home from Europe, Boyd faced and won a battle with cancer. A few years later, he was diagnosed with Inclusion Body Myositis (IBM), which he faced with grace, strength, and steadfast faith.
He met most days with a tender heart, humor, intellect, and resilience. His life was marked by both struggle and growth. Since January 1991, Boyd was a dedicated and active member of the AA Recovery community. Through those years, he walked alongside many with compassion and developed close, lasting friendships.
Boyd found deep comfort in his dogs, who brought out his gentlest side-Bagheera being a sure favorite. Boyd passed peacefully in his sleep on November 3, 2025, with his faithful dog, Jenny, by his side.
He is survived by his mother, Ina Smith; his children Stephen, Michael (Lela), and Adrian; seven grandchildren-Eli, Cash, Stella, Jules, Mila, Warren, and Michael; his brother, Robert; sister, Gayla; nieces Tawana, Victoria, and Savannah; nephew Wade; and a host of great nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his son, Warren; grandson, little Joe; father, Boyd Smith; grandparents, Earnie and Ara Smith and Lester and Isabell Heavener; and nephew, Sawyer.
Funeral services for Mr. Boyd S. Smith will be held on Friday, November 7, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., at the First Baptist Church of Cove, in Cove, Arkansas. Brother Ron Ladd will be officiating under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. Interment will take place at the Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Cove, Arkansas.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the First Baptist Church of Cove in honor of Mr. Boyd S. Smith.