Everett Leon Smith, a resident of Diamondhead, MS and formerly of Pine Bluff, White Hall and Little Rock, AR, passed away on May 14, 2026, after a brief battle with lymphoma. Born February 24, 1932, in Mt. Pleasant, TX, he was the son of Claude and Claudia Hollinger Smith.

Mr. Smith was sent from Riemann Family Funeral Home, Gulfport, to Robinson Fuller Funeral Home for services.

A graduate of Pine Bluff High School, Mr. Smith later attended Mississippi State University in Starkville, MS. He was a gifted athlete and held the Arkansas state high jump record for many decades. A veteran of the Korean War, he served in the Navy as a jet engine mechanic aboard the USS Kearsarge (CV/CVA/CVS-33).

Mr. Smith retired from General Chemical after a dedicated twenty-seven-year career, during which he served as a chemical engineer plant operator. In addition to his professional endeavors, he managed the Smith Family farm, overseeing the commercial cultivation of agricultural commodities such as soybeans, wheat, and cotton.

A dedicated member of the American Legion, Mr. Smith held a lifetime membership and served as Post Commander of White Hall Socia-Maxwell American Legion Post 232 for fourteen years. His leadership extended to the 9th District as 9th District Executive Committeeman and to the Department of Arkansas where he served as Department Judge Advocate, as well as various other state and national committee appointments including Budget, Policy and Convention.

Mr. Smith also held a lifetime membership in the Veterans of Foreign wars (VFW) and was a dedicated member of La Société des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux (The Society of Forty Men and Eight Horses), more commonly known as The Forty and Eight, an honor society for American veterans.

Mr. Smith was a member of the former Southside Baptist Church in Pine Bluff and actively participated in various community services and charitable organizations. In deep appreciation for the support he received during his military service, he remained a steadfast and avid supporter of The Salvation Army.

During his life, he and his wife had the opportunity to extensively travel across the United States and many other counties, where they enjoyed experiencing new cultures. He found great pleasure in spending time on the Gulf Coast where he frequently indulged in his passion for deep-sea fishing.

His family was of the utmost importance to him. He brought immense love and joy into our lives, and while he will be deeply missed, we find comfort in knowing we will one day be reunited.

Survivors include Anna Kirk Donaldson Smith, his wife of 49 years; his daughter, Theresa Donaldson Pettijohn, and her husband, Steven Pettijohn of Diamondhead, MS; and other relatives, including Cynthia Smith Curiel. Everett is further survived by his cherished Yorkie "grandpup" Henri' (Lil' Man), who provided him with immense happiness and steadfast companionship. Whether keeping a watchful paw-patrol eye on the yard against invaders, sharing a sunny spot on the porch, or simply resting beside him in his recliner, Henri' was a source of great joy in his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Catherine Smith Long; his brothers, Odis, Leonard, Henry and Robert Smith, and Amy Elizabeth Smith.

Services will be 10:30 am, Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at Robinson and Fuller White Hall Funeral Chapel with military honors. Visitation will be on Wednesday morning from 9:30-10:30 am.

Burial at Memorial Park Cemetery, White Hall, Arkansas will be private.

Memorials in his honor may be directed to The Salvation Army of Pine Bluff, 2901 South Catalpa Street, Pine Bluff, AR 71603 or the White Hall Socia-Maxwell American Legion Post 232, 1600 Barney Lane, White Hall, AR 71602.