Dr. Eugene Wilson Smith

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Dr. Eugene Wilson Smith died on September 23, 2018. Dr. Smith was born on June 10, 1930, in Forrest City, Arkansas, to Milton Samuel Smith II and Frank Leslie Wilson Smith, both long time educators. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Arkansas State College in 1952. After being commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army, Dr. Smith served his country in the Korean conflict before enrolling in the University of Mississippi where he obtained his Master's degree and Doctoral degree in Education.

Dr. Smith returned to Arkansas State in 1958 and spent his entire working career at the University serving as an instructor, administrator, and ultimately President. Dr. Smith was active in civic affairs serving on the City Council, as President of Jonesboro Industrial Development Corporation, and as Chairman of the Greater Jonesboro Chamber of Commerce.

Dr. Smith was of the Presbyterian faith and was preceded in death by his parents, brother Sam Smith, and sister Frances Anne King Babbitt. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Ann Slaughter Smith, daughter Lucinda McDaniel, and son Brad Smith, as well as son in law, Mike McDaniel.

Visitation will be held at Emerson Funeral Home from 3:30 to 5:00 on Saturday, September 29, followed by a memorial service at 5:00. The family requests that those wishing to honor Dr. Smith make donations in his memory to the Dr. Eugene W. Smith Fellowship Endowment, P.O Box 1990, State University, Arkansas 72467 so that his legacy of education may continue.