James Thomas "Jim Tom" Smith

James Thomas "Jim Tom" Smith, age 93 of Murfreesboro, Arkansas passed away on Tuesday, July 18, 2017 in Little Rock. He was born on September 30, 1923 in the Springhill community near Murfreesboro, Arkansas to the late Zadie Smith and Bessie Lockeby Smith. Jim graduated from Moyers High School in Moyers, Oklahoma and attended Southeastern State College in Durant, Oklahoma. He entered the U.S. Air Force in 1943 with service in New Guinea and the Southern Phillipines as an airframe and powerplant mechanic. He received the World War II Victory Ribbon, Good Conduct Metal, American Theater Ribbon, A.P. Theater Ribbon and Silver Service Star. After an honorable discharge he returned to Murfreesboro, Arkansas and started his own business, Smith's Locker Plant and Grocery, in 1947 and continued this business until 2002. During his retirement years, he enjoyed his farm, raising cattle, and his special dog Sally. Jim Tom was a long time member of First Baptist Church in Murfreesboro where he served as Sunday School Teacher and chairman of ushers. Jim Tom was a Master Mason and served as Worshipful Master. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Mary Harrison Smith, and a son, James William Smith. Survivors include his son, Robert Smith (Muffin), his daughter, Mary Carolyn Smith Bailey (Richard), four grandsons; Harrison Davis, William Davis, Samuel Bailey, and Miles Smith; a niece, Joyce Washburn; a nephew Larry Harrison. As well as the Cox family, the Jennings family, the Charles McKinnon family, and the family of Verna and Goodlet Webb. Special thanks to Dr. Tena Murphy, Dr. Graves Hernsberger, Dr. Mark Floyd, and Murfreesboro Nursing Home staff for all the care provided. Visitation will be Saturday, July 22, 2017 at 10 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Murfreesboro. Services will follow at 11 a.m. with Bro. Johnny Baker officiating. Burial will follow at Kelley Cemetery in the Springhill Community. Pallbearers will include: Matt Briley, Jim O'Neal, Al Kizzia, Harrison Davis, William Davis, and Miles Smith. Honorary Pallbearers will be: Samuel Bailey, Marty Withers, Larry McKinnon, Jimmy McNab, Earl Free, David Terrell, and Ricky Branch, Dennis Smithson. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the First Baptist Church in Murfreesboro.