of Little Rock, AR

December 6, 1974 - September 1, 2024

Maurice Devon ''Fuji'' Smith, former Pvt. First Class, of Little Rock, Arkansas passed away on Sunday, September 1, 2024 at the age of 49.
Born on December 6, 1974 in Chicago, Illinois, Fuji, as he was affectionately called by family and close friends, was the eldest child born to Maurice Diggins, Sr. and Beverly Ann Smith. He spent his childhood in Chicago, being raised by his mother and under the gentle guidance of his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Sol (Beatrice) Smith, Jr. He was a strong, yet gentle person, who was kind and generous. He excelled in martial arts and was a skilled mechanic.
Maurice attended Harper High School in Chicago and graduated in 1992. He joined the U.S. Army in 2000 and separated from service after two years of service with an Honorable Discharge. During his service, he worked as a Construction Equipment Repairer, stationed out of Fort Drum, New York.
Fuji loved to travel, was an avid reader and loved working on cars. He especially loved dogs and aquarium fish. He relocated to Wrightsville, Arkansas in 2008, to be near his grandmother and later his mother joined them. He loved his family dearly and they loved him dearly, as well.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Sol & Beatrice Smith, Jr.
Maurice is survived by his mother, Beverly Smith, who was his caregiver as his health began to fail in early 2020; his father, Maurice Diggins, Sr. of Chicago; brother, Michael (Serena) Smith of Chicago and a host of other family members, maternal and paternal aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, his military family and other friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, September 12th at 11:00 A.M. at Roller-Owens Funeral Home in North Little Rock, Arkansas. Interment and military honors will directly follow the service at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock.
Dinner/Fellowship with family will be announced following the services.

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