Eugene Grant "Gene" Smiley Jr.

Eugene Grant "Gene" Smiley Jr., 88, of Springdale, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, Aug. 3, 2014. Gene was born in Moro, Ark. on Oct. 4, 1925, to Eugene Grant and Katie Neely Smiley Sr. Gene was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Margaret Ann (Collins) Smiley; a brother, James "Jimmy" Smiley; and step-mother, Beryl (Bunch) Smiley. He is survived by three children, Kathleen "Kay" Hoke of Morrilton, Eugene "Grant" Smiley III of Destin, Fla., Robert Smiley of Fayetteville; one sister, Sally Wilkes of Mountain Home; one step-brother, Phil Smiley of Palm Coast, Fla.; and blessed in life with 10 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Gene moved to Little Rock when he was 18 and began a long business career in the city. He worked for Worthen Bank for 17 years serving as a branch manager for several locations. He then went into business for himself for the remainder of his career. Gene met the love of his life, Margaret Ann, while in Little Rock and married on May 27, 1949. They were lifelong Razorback fans, attending many games every year. They loved to travel and lived out their dream of driving throughout the United States. In retirement they lived in Beverly Beach, Fla., Reno, Nev., Destin, Fla., and Santa Rosa Beach, Fla., before returning back home to Little Rock to be near their friends and the Razorbacks. A memorial service was Aug. 6 in Fayetteville.