of Searcy, AR
October 26, 1946 - January 28, 2015
Bruce Byron Smith departed this life at his home in Searcy at the age of 68 on January 28, 2015. He was born October 6, 1946 in Columbia, Indiana to Roberta Evans Smith and Jim Smith.
His wife, ReBecca Van Patten Smith, stepdaughter, Deana Marie Quattlebaum and one sister Brenda Wagnite and husband Wes of Newberry, South Carolina, survive him.
Bruce's family moved to Searcy in 1953 where he entered Mrs. Millar's second grade. He was a graduate of Searcy High School and the University of Tennessee where he joined the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity and became an avid supporter of the All Volunteers Sports. In addition to his Bachelor of Science Degree, Bruce was a graduate of the National Commerce Lending School, Norman, Oklahoma and a graduate of the Southern Banking School of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
During the Vietnam Era Bruce served in the U. S. Air Force in Taiwan as a Linguist to North Vietnam.
Bruce served as President of the Bank of Bartlett, Tennessee 23of his 24 years there. He retired from Triumph Bank in Memphis as Senior Loan Officer in 2008. Upon retirement, he returned to his hometown of Searcy where he joined the First United Methodist Church, the Rotary Club and was active in the Searcy Athletic Club as his health permitted. He volunteered with the Literacy Council in Searcy and assisted several people with learning English. One of his students was Vietnamese who was surprised when Bruce explained a term in his native language. He also volunteered at the White Medical Center and the Methodist Church Thrift Store.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you to caregiver Sandy May, Dr. Mitzi Washington, ADH Hospice, and Fort Roots Veterans Administration for their kindness, care and assistance given during Bruce's last days.
Visitation from 5-7 PM Thursday, January 29, 2015 in the Wesley Room of the First United Methodist Church on Searcy.
The Funeral Service will be on Friday, January 30, 2015 at 11 AM at the First Methodist Church in Searcy. A private burial service will be at a later date. Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Searcy or the Amanda Taylor Smith Memorial Scholarship at St. Mary's School in Memphis Tennessee.
For online guest book, www.rollerfuneralhomes.com
Dearest Becca! I am so very sorry for your loss. I did not know Bruce, but I know he must have been a super guy, married to you, my precious friend. Please, if there is ever anything we can do for you, please let us know. We are not that far away. See you in June. Please know that he is not gone, he is just away. Love you!
Becca, Tom and I are so sorry to hear of your husband's death. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Becky
I am so sorry for our loss. Bruce was a kind and sensitive friend and I will always remember him fondly. Wishing you peace.
Rebecca, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I am thinking of you.
Sorry for your loss.
Bruce was a great friend, trusted banker and manager at one of our companies. We are thankful to have known him. He was a true friend. Rest in peace Bruce.
May God comfort all of Bruce's family and keep you filled with precious memories. I knew Bruce at school and in summer baseball.
Bruce, Fraternity Brother and Fine Friend, will be greatly missed. We are grateful for the life of this gentleman, and saddened by the loss.
Tom McD
Becca and Deana
I'm so sorry for your loss.I knew Bruce was not well but I did not realize how critical it was. I hope that knowing that he is at peace gives you some comfort in this difficult time. love Kathy and Stan
Sorry for the loss of your loved one. May you find comfort by knowing you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless.
Becca
I am so sorry for your loss. I only wish that I could have made it to the reunion to see Bruce. Please accept my sincerest condolences. Bruce will be deeply missed by all of us whose life he touched.
Becca,
Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you today.
I worked with Bruce for over 25 years at the Bank of Barlett. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Becca,
I am so sorry of your loss. I was saddened to see that Bruce was not doing well at our class reunion but he is resting now. My thoughts go out to you...........Carolyn Black Allen
Knew Bruce from working with him at The Bank of Bartlett and want to express to his family my deepest sympathy . My prayers are with you.
RIP Brother
Prayring for your family during this time of loss. Bruce will be missed at Rotary!
Tyonia Beard
Rebecca, I just heard of Bruce's death.
You have my deepest sympathy.
Jo Ann