Thomas Emmett Smith

Thomas Emmett "Bubba" Smith, a lifelong resident of Magnolia, Arkansas, passed away on February 1, 2026, at Baptist Hospital in Little Rock, Arkansas. Born and raised in Magnolia, Bubba was as rooted in this town as the timber that built it-and somehow managed to know all the local news, gossip, and Facebook happenings without ever admitting to having an account.

Bubba married the love of his life, Paula, on May 3, 1980, sharing 45 years of marriage. A nurse who could "take care of him"-a requirement, according to Bubba, not a suggestion-Paula was his steady partner through life. Together they built a marriage full of laughter, hard work, and love.

After high school, Bubba attended Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, Louisiana, where he gained plenty of life experience and, by his own admission, forgot to attend classes for several semesters. He later attended Southern State University in Magnolia, Arkansas.

A successful businessman, Bubba grew up around sawmills, flooring manufacturing, and the lumber and hardware industry. He began working part-time at Peace Builders Supply in 1969 and went on to co-found S&S Home Center in 1999, where he poured his time, grit, and heart into the business until stepping away in 2015. He believed in showing up early, working hard, and doing things the right way-values that guided both his career and his life. In that same spirit of service and stewardship, Bubba also served on the Board of Directors at Farmers Bank & Trust.

When he wasn't working, Bubba was happiest outdoors. He loved his farm, his cows, deer hunting, fishing-especially bream fishing-and trips to South Texas for dove and deer hunting with friends. He enjoyed boating around Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs, traveling, and being anywhere that let him slow down and enjoy life.

Bubba was also a quiet giver in the community. He never sought recognition, preferring to help behind the scenes whenever he could. He was a proud member of the exclusive "Biscuit Boys," a group that reflected his love for fellowship, tradition, and doing good with no fanfare.

Bubba was known for giving people nicknames-and for giving you a hard time if he liked you (and maybe especially if he loved you). His wit was quick, his humor dry, and his timing impeccable. If you were on the receiving end of one of Bubba's comments, you were part of the inner circle.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Paula Smith; his son, Brad Smith (Morgan); and his grandchildren, Hazel and Bear Smith, who were the joy of his life.

He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Shanon Stuart; nephew, Blake Stuart (Lacey); niece, Laura Welch (Ashley); his great-nieces, Sawyer Welch, Foster Stuart, and Fallyn Stuart, who learned early that if Bubba was giving you a hard time, you were doing something right; his special friend, José Lule, who faithfully helped Bubba each day on the farm and was a trusted part of his daily life; his beloved dog, Storm; and his sister, Ella Lou Smith.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilburn and Hazel Peace Smith.

Visitation will be held Thursday, February 5, 2026, beginning at 12:00 p.m., followed by the memorial service at 1:00 p.m., at First Presbyterian Church of Magnolia, 1417 N. Jackson, Magnolia, AR 71753 with Ray Durham officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to one of the following: First Presbyterian Church of Magnolia 1417 N. Jackson Magnolia, AR 71753 Magnolia Specialized Services 1616 N. Vine Magnolia, AR 71753 CCAPS Animal Shelter 510 Columbia Street Magnolia, AR 71753.

The family finds comfort in knowing that Bubba is now in heaven with his beloved toy poodle, Frenchie. Bubba wouldn't want this to be too serious-and if you're not smiling yet, he'd probably have something to say about it.