of North Little Rock, AR
September 11, 1941 - August 30, 2023
Leslie R. Smith, 81, of North Little Rock, Arkansas died peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, August 30, 2023 surrounded by family. He was born on September 11, 1941 in Franklin, Indiana to the late Otto and Hazel Marie Smith.
Les was raised on a farm and graduated from Franklin High School Class of 1960. Les joined the United States Army right out of high school, where he made officer and became a pilot. He ended his military career in 1967 after serving in Vietnam. After leaving the US Army, he worked at Cummins Diesel for a short period and then moved to Connecticut, where he worked at Combustion Engineering as a corporate pilot for 23 years. In 1990, Les moved the family to Arkansas to work as a production test pilot at Dassault Falcon Jet and retired in 2010. From 2010 to 2014, Les worked as a contract pilot for Whiteco Industries, when he retired permanently to spend the rest of his days with his lovely wife, Wanda. His favorite things were reading, home improvement projects and joke telling. Les always had a joke ready just for you.
Leslie is survived by his wife of 57 years, Wanda M. Lyon Smith; sons, Leslie R. Smith II, Anthony J. Smith and Timothy W. Smith (Bridgett); grandchildren, Justin Evans, Darren Smith, Brooke Smith, Kaitlyn Smith, Linwood Smith, Christian Smith and Shelby Smith; great-grandchildren, Perry Rohden and Adelayde Tally; niece, Ann DeMoss (Ken) and extended family.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Otto and Hazel Marie Smith; brothers, Otto Smith Jr. and Walter Smith and sister, Betty (Smith) Cox.
Memorial services will be held on Friday, September 15th at 12:00 P.M. at Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock.
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12 Condolence(s)
Timothy Clifford
Friday, September 15, 2023
I join my fellow Army pilots in greaving for one of our brothers, and one of the best pilots I ever flew with! Head west on your last flight Les, and I'll see ya on the other side! Tim Clifford
Loretta Wymer
Wednesday, September 13, 2023
Les and Wanda have been special friends for many years. He will be greatly missed! May God comfort Wanda and family. Love and prayers, Loretta, Garrett and Kim
Brenda Lea Kapper
Monday, September 11, 2023
I was a flower girl for Wanda and Les’s wedding 57 years ago. I thought it was amazing that my cousin, Wanda, was marrying a soldier. A groom in a uniform is quite memorable, even for a little girl. Les has always been quite a talker with a slow, thoughtful Indiana drawl. But I liked it best when he silently and intently listened to Wanda talk. Wanda is special to me and my heart breaks for her loss. Although, I know Wanda held her family of boys together with hard work and pride while Les was away many days for many years as a pilot both in the service and commercially. Yet for me as our age gap closed, I remembered them together as one. I know both of them would do anything for the other. I’m so glad they had so many years together that both of them enjoyed. They’ve been quite loving and thoughtful as a niece and nephew to my parents and to me. Now, I want them to know we are thankful for their lives and that we love them. We pray peace for Wanda and hope for her “soldier love.â€
Jim Smallwood
Thursday, September 7, 2023
I enjoyed working with Les at Dassault Falcon Jet. He was always had story or joke to tell. My deepest condolences to his family.
David lowery
Wednesday, September 6, 2023
My condolences to your family my good friend
Jennifer Pettit
Tuesday, September 5, 2023
I am so sorry for the family. He was a good man and will be missed.
Barbara McNamare
Sunday, September 3, 2023
Les and Darren so sorry. for your. Loss.
May he rest in peace
Debra Davis
Saturday, September 2, 2023
I had the pleasure of working with Les for many years. He can be described in so many ways: good man, a character, story teller, friend. Fly high Les!
Thomas Smith
Saturday, September 2, 2023
Les was a dear friend of 60+yrs, we met in U.S. Army flight school in 1963. We were not as close after
serving the Army however we kept in touch and attended reunions with Les and Wanda, and my wife
until last year. Les will be missed by his classmates of 64-1. Rest in Peace my friend.
warren Richardson
Saturday, September 2, 2023
God speed my friend, I will miss our chats and funny times. RIP Les ,my thoughts and prayers to your family.
Bridgett Smith
Friday, September 1, 2023
There are very few people in the world that I can say I was privileged to know. My father-in-law is one of those. I can’t remember one time that I didn’t learn something from him when he was near. He lived an amazing life. His knowledge was just endless. Rest in love for eternity. I’m blessed to be your daughter-in-law. Until we meet again. Fly high on that mountain.
Love always,
Bridgett
Bruce Kaylor
Friday, September 1, 2023
Les will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He was a super guy. I am blessed to have known him. RIP my friend!