of Little Rock, AR
October 16, 1962 - March 29, 2024
Shayne Smith, 61, of Little Rock, Arkansas passed away peacefully on Friday, March 29, 2024 surrounded by loved ones. Shayne's courageous journey through fibrosing hypersensitivity pneumonitis and a challenging recovery from a double lung transplant displayed his remarkable resilience, courage and indomitable spirit up to his final moments.
A proud son of Little Rock, Shayne's love for his hometown ran deep. He held a Juris Doctor from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR), William H. Bowen School of Law and a bachelor's degree in communications from UALR. Shayne dedicated 30 years of his professional life to the Acxiom Corporation, retiring in October 2023 as its General Counsel. He was not just a colleague but a mentor and friend to many, remembered for his leadership, wisdom and unwavering support.
Shayne's commitment to justice and equality was evident through his service on the board of directors for VOCALS, the Volunteers' Organization Center for Arkansas Legal Services, since 2012. This organization provides pro bono legal services to low-income individuals, embodying Shayne's belief in the power of giving back to the community.
Beyond his professional achievements, Shayne was known as ''The Windbreaker'' on Twitter, especially during the Bret Bielema era of Arkansas Razorbacks football, where his brilliant sense of humor and witty banter won him many admirers. An avid Saint Louis Cardinals baseball fan and a repository of sports knowledge, Shayne's passions extended to reading, music and collecting sports memorabilia.
Shayne's greatest joy was his family. He is survived by his loving wife of 15 years, Tracy Young Smith of Little Rock; his son, Zachary Smith of Nashville, Tennessee; daughter, Kirby Anne Smith of Naples, Florida; stepsons, Sam Hathcock of Helena, Montana and Calum Hathcock of Little Rock; brother, Stan Smith of Little Rock; niece, Natalie Smith of Fayetteville, Arkansas and nephew, Dylan Smith of Fayetteville. Shayne was a devoted father and stepfather, always prioritizing the needs of his children. His legacy of love, guidance and support will continue to live on in them.
Honorary pallbearers will be Sam Hathcock, Calum Hathcock, Stan Smith, Dylan Smith, Benji Smith of Lima, Peru, Stephen Young of Fort Smith, Arkansas, Cliff Ivey of Fort Smith, Josh Leicht of Conway, Arkansas, Sterling Mullis of Virginia and Kevin Heifner of Little Rock.
A celebration of Shayne's life will be held on April 5th at 2pm at Highland Valley United Methodist Church. A visitation will be held at the home of John and Holly Speed, 26 Orle Circle, Little Rock, AR 72223 on April 4th at 6:00-7:30 pm. In lieu of flowers and to honor Shayne's commitment to helping those in need, the family requests donations to VOCALS or to P.A.R.K. (Positive Atmosphere Reaches Kids).
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19 Condolence(s)
Tonya Musial
Thursday, April 25, 2024
What a tragic loss of a wonderful person. Working with Shayne was a pleasure. His dry wit and vast knowledge made him a powerhouse of a lawyer but he was also kind. I'm so sad for his family.
Suzanne
Saturday, April 6, 2024
My heart goes out to you Tracy. Shayne was a wonderful man and you made such a great couple. Our deepest condolences.
Suzanne, James, and Ian
Elise Daniel
Friday, April 5, 2024
Sending so much love to you Tracy and to everyone who was touched by this beautiful man. What a beautiful journey you shared. May you find peace as you find your way forward.
Jed Mole
Friday, April 5, 2024
When I travelled to work I Arkansas, Shayne was always the first to offer me a ride, some company at the Capital Bar & Grill or to visit his home (though sadly, we never quite managed that.) He and I worked well together; he was of course, quite brilliant. However, as a man he shone brighter still. Wonderful company, sweet kindness, magical wit. I’ve been missing dear Shayne for a long time. I’m assured he’s at rest and in good hands. God bless you Shayne, my experiences of you helped me ‘then’ and will guide me always. Sleep well ‘Pard.’ X
Valerie Hinton
Thursday, April 4, 2024
In memory of a life
So beautifully lived
And a heart
So deeply loved
Rest In Peace Shane
Lions-Class of “81”
To Th Family:
Grief never ends…But it changes.
It’s a passage, not a place to stay.
Grief is not a sign of weakness, nor
A lack of faith. It is the price of love.
My sincere heartfelt condolences,
Valerie Hinton
Melanie & Ray Jimenez
Thursday, April 4, 2024
Shayne, I wish words could express how much you meant to so many. Your love & devotion to your family and friends was beyond measure. You were always there for Tracy when she needed an Angel on her shoulders. And through it all, she then became your Angel.
Our family time together was brief, but filled with fond memories of your outstanding wit & humor. To our precious Tracy; may you forever feel his presence, always surrounded by treasured memories of your life together.
Maya Angelou once said, " I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Shayne, We’ll never forget! Thank you, my friend.
Pamela Yantis
Thursday, April 4, 2024
Marshall and I are both devastated to learn of Shayne's passing last week. We, and our church First Presbyterian, have prayed for him diligently, and you Tracy, for some time knowing that he was in a long-term battle with his health. Please know we will continue our prayers for the family, and, send our love and deepest condolences. May the good Lord above give all of you His peace and strength at this difficult time, and rest in His knowledge that Shayne is now in the loving arms of our Heavenly Father with he angels and loved ones who have gone on before him.
With sincerest sympathy, Pamela and Marshall Yantis
Carol Hicks
Thursday, April 4, 2024
Sending condolences to Shayne’s wife and family who I know are heartbroken. I am heartbroken for you all. He was such a good guy in high school and when we reconnected a few years back to play Words with Friends I recognized really quickly that he still was even after all this time. He paid me a great compliment when he told me that I was one of only two people who he played with because we challenged him more than anyone else. I have missed our games since he stopped playing, but I understood his reasoning. He said he stopped because he wanted his focus to be on Tracy and the people he cared about in his day to day life and not on his phone. And that was entirely in keeping with who he was - someone who had his priorities straight and wasn’t shy about saying so. That was just who he was. I’m so sorry that he went through what he did with his health and that he is gone from this world at such a young age. He was a light and today the world is a little darker without him in it. May his memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved him.
Kelly Walker Kelchen
Wednesday, April 3, 2024
Tracy and family, I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Sending hugs for you.
Laura Ballou Langstaff
Tuesday, April 2, 2024
My deepest sympathy for the family. I remember Shane so well. He was one of the kindest of McClellan High School. Great memories and I know his memory will be cherished
Betty J Ragon
Tuesday, April 2, 2024
Tracy, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I shall be thinking of you and your family and praying for you. Love, Betty Ragon
Suzanne McCord
Tuesday, April 2, 2024
Tracy I’m so very sorry you’ve been through this tragedy. I’ve been praying for Shayne since his transplant. Love to you and all the kids. Suzanne Beauchamp McCord
MERINDA KORDSMEIER
Tuesday, April 2, 2024
I was so sorry to hear about Shayne's passing. I worked with him at Acxiom for many years. He was an amazing General Counsel and everyone enjoyed working with him. Shayne was a good friend to all that knew him. My sympathy goes out to your family. With Sympathy, Merinda Kordsmeier
Kim Nichols Morris
Tuesday, April 2, 2024
We were classmates from fourth through twelfth grades. I have so many fond memories of Shayne. He had a great personality, was a natural leader, and was truly a kind young man. I am shocked and saddened to learn of his passing. My prayers are with his family and friends.
Derek Rudkin
Tuesday, April 2, 2024
I am so sorry to hear of Shayne's passing. My heart goes out to his family.
Angie Aduddell
Tuesday, April 2, 2024
I had gotten to know Tracy and Shayne as lovely neighbors upon moving in down the street from them. Shayne was always welcoming and so funny allowing a small group of us to do bible study in his home with Tracy each week. I am so deeply sorry for your entire family.
Jeff & Char Smith
Tuesday, April 2, 2024
I have great memories of hanging out with my cousins, Shayne and Stan, and playing with the pin ball machines when we were kids, visiting them in Arkansas.
My wife and I are sad that Shayne is gone, but thankful that he is in heaven, the place of peace, rest and true life!
Jeff & Char Smith
Robin Mays
Tuesday, April 2, 2024
I am so very sorry. I was convinced the lung transplant would be successful, and I think Shayne was too. It was so devastating when so many obstacles prevented recovery. As you know, Shayne was very special to me. I am so happy he found so much love and joy when you came into his life. My love to you and Zach and Kirby. My oldest granddaughter is another Kirby, something Shayne loved.
Lesley and Tony Cooper
Monday, April 1, 2024
We are so very sorry to hear of Shayne’s passing. We had so much fun back in the channel 38 days. Prayers for comfort and peace to all of his family and especially his children.