Howard Wesley Smith, age 87 of Marble Falls, Arkansas, passed away on Sunday, July 22, 2018. He left this earthly fishing hole to move onto his heavenly fishing hole, where the catfish never stop biting and the fishing line never gets tangled, the sun always shines and there is no catch limit.

The son of Harlan and Fae Marie (Kirby) Smith was born July 3, 1931 at Paden, Oklahoma.

He was a resident of this area for 45 years, moving from San Jose, California. He worked for many years at Harrison School District as a bus driver and mechanic and volunteered for Special Olympics. He enjoyed porch sitting, riding his 4-wheeler, telling tall tales and fishing.

He was preceded in death by his son, Christopher Smith and siblings, Frank Smith, Raymond Smith, Jim Smith and Hazel Hall.

Howard is survived by his wife, Patricia June (Kearney) Smith; his son, Lynn Smith of Compton; his daughters, Peggy Jo Gross of Conway and Cassie Smith of Marble Falls; 9 grandchildren, James Alumbaugh, Jennifer George, John Alumbaugh and Jason Alumbaugh, Stephanie Coleman, Michael Kirk, Wesley Kyle Goodwin, Hunter Christan Benz and Chase Smith ; 14 great grandchildren, including Charles Wesley Benz and Zachery Aiden Benz; and other special relatives and friends, Jay Foreman, Debra Brogdon, Patricia Flinn, Floy Goodwin, Dimitri Quinn, Eddie and Carolyn Criner and Jim Falconburg and a host of nieces, nephews and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

Howard will be remembered for his love of bib overalls, slot machines, all you can eat crab legs and giving large bear hugs whether you wanted one or not.

Memorial service will be held at a later date. Cremation and arrangements under the direction of Coffman Funeral Home of Harrison. On-line condolences may be left at www.coffmanfh.com.