John R. Smith

John Robert Smith, 90, of Paragould, entered his heavenly home on November 17, 2025. He was born on June 11, 1935, to P.H. “Hobert” and Lona Faulkner Smith and was a beloved surprise to his older sisters, Virginia and Pauline. Raised in the aftermath of the Great Depression and World War II, John belonged to the generation that deeply valued faith, family, and hard work—principles that guided his entire life.

John graduated from Oak Grove High School in 1953 and began his career at Singer in Trumann, Arkansas. While living in Trumann, he met the love of his life, Bonnie Wade. On their very first date, he asked her where she attended church. When she answered “the Baptist church,” John knew instantly she was the one. He always said, in regard to Bonnie, that the prettiest girl he ever did see was wearing polka dots. John and Bonnie were married on July 14, 1956, and celebrated 69 years of devotion together this year. He lovingly passed along three rules to his girls when choosing a husband:

1. He must be a Christian.2. He must have a job.3. He must carry a pocketknife.

A talented tool-and-die maker and machinist, John worked diligently throughout his life to master his craft. His proudest professional accomplishment was founding and operating Smith Precision Machining, a business built on skill, integrity, and perseverance. He retired in 2000.

Though accomplished in his trade, John’s heart always remained tied to the land and the rural community where he was raised. He loved farming, driving a tractor, planting a few acres each year, and tinkering with equipment—he could make anything run. One of his greatest joys came when he and Bonnie purchased land and moved to the farm just over the hill from where he was born. Even as his strength declined, he cherished his hours spent on the back porch overlooking the fields of Noxburn and took special pleasure in seeing his final crop of soybeans harvested only weeks ago.

Following retirement, John treasured his daily morning gatherings with his “coffee shop crew” at Ironhorse North, where he enjoyed fellowship, storytelling, and community. He was also a voracious reader with a special love for Westerns, particularly the works of Louis L’Amour, whose books he read and reread many times.

Above all, John loved his family. He was a Bible-believing follower of Jesus Christ and unwavering in his faith. He knew without a doubt that he was “heaven-bound,” and he instilled his Christian values in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Affectionately known as “Gramps,” he was famous for keeping candy corn or Smarties in his pocket for the little ones and for sharing wisdom such as “You can’t go wrong doing right” and “No workee, no eatee.” His sense of humor, warm presence, and gentle strength made him dearly loved by all who knew him.

John also enjoyed music throughout his life. In his younger days he played the mandolin, and he was always honored to fill in on the piano, especially when he could bang out gospel favorites from the Broadman Hymnal. With his deep bass voice, he delighted in introducing his grandchildren—Kenley, Cat, and Jake—to old hymns and gospel songs, passing down a love of music that remains part of his legacy.

A passage of Scripture especially meaningful to John was Psalm 71:17–18: “O God, from my youth you have taught me, and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds. So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come.”

John was preceded in death by his parents and sisters. He is survived by his wife, Bonnie; his children, Donna Singleton (Terriel), Stan Smith (Debbie), and Kendell Smith (Mary); his grandchildren, Kenley Boyd (Dusty), Cat Hamilton (Louis), and Dr. Jake Smith (Kynzee); his great-grandchildren, Lucas, Isaac, Randy, Kendell, Lively, and soon-to-arrive baby girl Smith; his niece, Jenna Carpenter (Walter); his nephew, Lee Blackmon (Jamie); and numerous extended cousins and friends who will remember him fondly.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to 1-and-1 Ministries or to the First Baptist Church Children’s Department, both of which may be sent c/o First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 816, Paragould, AR 72451.