of Conway, AR
September 21, 1935 - April 5, 2025
On Saturday, April 5, 2025, Jack Dalton NeSmith Sr. completed his earthly journey and went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He was born on Saturday, September 21, 1935, in Zephyr, Texas, to Sol and Alpha Bailey NeSmith.
In 1956, Jack met the love of his life, Joanna Kay King, at the Stamps School of Music, where he cleverly hid his songbook in his back pocket, ensuring she would have to share hers. Their relationship blossomed through letters and brief visits, and they were united in marriage on January 26, 1957.
From a young age, Jack was taught the value of hard work. He grew up working on a cotton farm, often waking at 4:30 a.m. to help his mother get to the fields. Later, he learned the craft of industrial painting, a profession that was difficult for many to fully understand. He worked for Graco and founded several businesses, but it was his partnership with his son and son-in-law to create Applied Finishing Systems that brought him the greatest fulfillment. Even in his later years, Jack continued to go to the office daily to enjoy a cup of coffee and stay informed about the business.
Jack cherished spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, always making sure they had coins for their piggy banks. He was passionate about woodworking, a skill he learned from his father-in-law, Joe King. He could build almost anything, including rocking horses for his grandchildren. One of his favorite creations was jar openers, which he generously gave away. Jack also loved tending to a garden, ensuring it was large enough to provide for his family and share with others, including widows, as the Bible instructed him to do.
Music played a central role in Jack's life. With Kay playing the piano, Jack would lead the singing at church. He loved teaching children the timeless, traditional hymns, even leading Children's Church at Friendship Baptist Church in his later years.
Jack had a heart for missions. He actively participated in building churches in Honduras, and as his health declined, he supported the mission work financially and through prayer, ensuring that others, including his family, could go and spread the love of Christ around the world.
A man of deep faith, Jack was always obedient to the Lord and never hesitated to share the gospel with anyone he encountered. He was a dedicated member of Friendship Baptist Church and a proud member of Gideons International.
Jack is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Joanna Kay King NeSmith; their three children: Susan Bullock (Cliff) of Kilgore, Texas, Jack NeSmith Jr. (Kelly) of Conway, and Vicki Martin (Ray) of Conway; eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He was one of thirteen siblings and is survived by his brother, Joe B. NeSmith (Venita) of Lavon, Texas, and his sister, Ludy Smith of Rockwall, Texas, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Friendship Baptist Church on Friday, April 11, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., with visitation beginning at 12:00 p.m. Rev. Ken Jordan and Rev. Sean Mills will officiate. Interment will follow at Crestlawn Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Gideons International or Friendship Baptist Church Missions 767 Rocky Point Road, Conway, AR 72032.
To order a DVD copy of this video memorial, please contact our funeral home at + 15013277727.
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14 Condolence(s)
Robin (Parish) Porter
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
Vicky and family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know you all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Randy & Janet Nokes
Saturday, April 12, 2025
To the Nesmith family’s,
We are sorry for the loss of Mr. Nesmith, Your family will be in our Prayers.
Danna (Fry) Poirot
Friday, April 11, 2025
Dear Kay and family,
I have some of the most fond memories from my childhood of your family. The most impressionable memory I have is going to VBS at your church and being led to The Lord and getting saved that week. Your family was the epitome of what neighbors should be. I pray that God gives you all peace as you lay Jack to rest, knowing he is rejoicing in heaven.
Shelley Andrews
Friday, April 11, 2025
So sorry for your loss but so thankful he is celebrating with Jesus. Ms. Kay, I’m sorry I will be unable to attend the service today. Please know you and the family are in my prayers.
Ricky and Connie Price
Thursday, April 10, 2025
Ms. Kay, we were sorry to hear about Mr Jack. However, we know he was rejoicing on his way to his His Heavenly Father. He will be missed. His knowledge and kindness will certainly be a loss for us. I loved listening to him tell his stories and state facts in Sunday School. We love you. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Connie Tipton (Milam)
Thursday, April 10, 2025
Dear Kay, Jack Jr., Susan, and Vicki,
During a recent visit with my parents, they fondly recalled the jar opener gifted to in the early '80s, reflecting on how it has served them faithfully through the decades. We reminisced about the NeSmith family—Jack's remarkable ingenuity, Kay's vibrant spirit, and the kindness that radiated from each of you as children. This truly embodies the essence of faith, family, and love.
While I am deeply saddened by Jack's passing, I find solace in the certainty of his eternal peace. I am praying that God's boundless love envelops you all, bringing comfort during this difficult time.
Ann King/Raymond
Thursday, April 10, 2025
Uncle Jack we love you more than you know and will miss you so very much. We know you are in heaven leading the choir. God bless the ones left behind. We will see you again one day.
james mullenax
Thursday, April 10, 2025
Jack was a good Christian man, he lived it and could sing about it also.
My prayers for you Kay and the kids. I know y'all will miss him,
REST IN PEACE JACK NESMITH
James Mullenax
Jim alexander
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
Got a chance to know and work with Jack, Jack Jr., and Ray in the earlier 90’s and what a blessing and interesting moments they were. Enjoyed stopping by Applied to share a cup of coffee every now and then and what stories we discussed.
He will be missed and thankful for the friendship GOD put before me.
We will miss him and our prayers to all the family. GOD BLESS!
Jim alexander
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
Got a chance to know and work with Jack, Jack Jr., and Ray in the earlier 90’s and what a blessing and interesting moments they were. Enjoyed stopping by Applied to share a cup of coffee every now and then and what stories we discussed.
He will be missed and thankful for the friendship GOD put before me.
We will miss him and our prayers to all the family. GOD BLESS!
Bill Sword
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
Jack and Kay we're always so special to me and Nancy and our kids and grandkids. He loved the Lord, had an insatiable sense of humor, and had a heart of gold! We loved him big time! To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord and Jack is enjoying the glories of heaven, praise God!
Gray Wagnon
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
Much love to all of you. Thank you for sharing him with me…I will always treasure my jar opener. Prayers for comfort and peace in the next days
Rocky Harvey
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
Sending you my condolences
David and Heather Rifanburg
Tuesday, April 8, 2025
Jack was a Good Christian man. He was always there to lend a helping hand and to just listen if he needed to. A sense of humor that would make you smile on a cloudy day. I did lots of work for Jack and it never failed that when I worked for him and Kay, that she would always insist on feeding me while I was there. Kay always had good food and Jack furnished the best conversation. He loved his family very much and always spoke of them with a smile. We spent many hours in that old workshop just solving the world’s problems. Never had an unkind word to say about anyone. He would give you anything he had if you needed it. You were a good friend Jack, and I for one will miss you a lot. I’ll see you soon my brother.