A Distinguished Gentleman: Richard Clifton Smith Jr.

Richard Clifton Smith, Jr. passed away at CHI St. Vincent in Little Rock on September 4,

2026 at the age of 97.

Richard is preceded in death by his parents, Richard Clifton Smith, Sr. and Bedella Burl Smith, his

brother, Edward Ray Smith, Sr., a daughter, LaDelle Rose Smith, and a granddaughter,

Chasidee Elaine Hargraves.

Richard is lovingly remembered by his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren,

godchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, former students, former colleagues, and

friends.

Richard was born August 28, 1929 in Eudora, Arkansas. He graduated from East High

School and went on to earn a B.A. in History, and a minor in Government and Secondary

Education from Arkansas AM&N College, now UAPB. He worked diligently in the field of

Education for 67 years where he taught history. He began his teaching career in the Parkdale

School District and later taught in the Desha Central School District at Wolfe Project High

School, where he became elementary and high school principal. After district integration, he served

as elementary principal at Desha Central Elementary, and Delta Special Elementary. He later

became principal at the McGehee School District.

Richard loved people, enjoyed playing golf, studying history, working in the community,

traveling, going to church, and spending time with his family.

The visitation will be held at Willis Funeral Home, 101 Park Street, McGehee,

Arkansas on Thursday, September 10 th , 2026, from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.

The celebration of life service will be held at First Church of God of Christ, 100 Sherman,

McGehee, Arkansas on Friday, September 11 th , 2026, at 10:00 a.m. with Elder Ulysses

Walker, Jr. officiating. Public viewing will be held from 9:00 a.m.-9:45 a.m. at the church.

Interment to follow at Campground Cemetery, Monticello, Arkansas.