of West Memphis, AR
April 19, 1925 - January 22, 2017
Allan Boyd Smith, Jr. ,91, better known as A.B. died Sunday, January 22, 2017 at his home in West Memphis.
Always devoted to agriculture and especially the business aspects of farming, A.B. Smith has helped many Mid South producers survive hard times and then go on to prosper in better times.
As a farm mortgage appraiser with Connecticut General Life Insurance Company for 37 years, he has helped a countless number of producers purchase farmland top start up or to expand existing operations. His service to borrowers did not end with closing loans and making sure they make the mortgage payments. He often guided his clients with rock-solid management input. During difficult times, such as the 1980's farm recession, A B Smith convinced his company not to foreclose but to let a number of very good farmer-borrowers stay in business.
Also, while servicing other farmers, A. B. personally acquired and has improved several tracts of farmland in the Mississippi Delta and near Hughes Arkansas. Although a resident of Eastern Arkansas for most of his working career, A. B. was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and reared in Marks, Mississippi. He entered Mississippi State College in 1942, volunteered for service in the U S Airforce in 1943 and attained the rank of 2nd Lieutenant as a navigator of B-24's during World War II.
After the War ended, A.B. re entered Mississippi State in 1946 and distinguished himself as an outstanding scholar and student leader. While pursuing a B.S. Degree in Agriculture, he served first as treasurer and later as vice president of the student body. He held membership and offices in honor societies and fraternities, including Omicron Delta Kappa, Blue Key, and Alpha Zeta. He very active in his beloved Kappa Sigma Fraternity.
These early accomplishments prepared him for a long and distinguished career in Mid South Agriculture. A B was named Member of the Year for 2000 for the Memphis Agricultural Club.
He is a Paul Harris Fellow for the Hughes Rotary Club.
He was preceded in death by his wife Lorena J. ''Rockie'' Smith
He is survived by his daughter, Llana Young Smith (Dr. John Rada) of Cordova, TN; a sister, Johanne Echols (Robert) of Paducah, Ky.
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7 Condolence(s)
Diane and Dick Ritchey
Thursday, January 26, 2017
Prayers and thoughts with you at this hard time.
Ivan Diaz
Thursday, January 26, 2017
Llana, though I never had the pleasure of meeting your Father, I still want to offer you my heart-felt condolences on his passing. May God's Grace envelope you with Love and Peace during this difficult time in your life. God Bless you, Ivan & Lara
Cile
Wednesday, January 25, 2017
Lana, how I adored your father! He was always so eager to take us places and do fun things. What great times we had driving up to Missouri to ride horses.
Your father was also a very special friend to my parents. They, as many others, found him to be a man of great integrity.
Sandra Rada
Tuesday, January 24, 2017
Llana & John: extending my sympathy on the passing of Mr. A.B. He was a special & caring gentleman. I am sure you have wonderful memories that will sustain you in life. There is a quote that I like......." As long as we live, they too will live, for they are now a part of us, as we remember them". Our thoughts & prayers are with ya'll. May God be with you. As always, Sandy & Miss Louise.❤
Karen Green Hogue
Tuesday, January 24, 2017
A.B. made so many friends and helped them all in so many ways. George and I were both helped through difficult times by him. He remained my friend, confidant, and counselor after George's death. I will always be grateful for the memories of him. Your grief is shared by so many others that loved and respected him. Llana, you remain in my thoughts and prayers.
Toni And John Koster
Monday, January 23, 2017
Llana and John
We are so sorry to hear about your father. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. If you need anything please call us. John and Toni we love you
Gary Harlow
Monday, January 23, 2017
Llana, It saddens me to see this. Your dad, AB was a great friend of my dads as you know, and also a good friend to me. I hope you find comfort in knowing the good life he lived and the lives he touched. May God be with you in this time and in the life you live.
Bless you, Gary Harlow and family