Herman Smith

Herman Lee Smith, Sr., 88, born on Friday, March 25, 1938 in Lake Village, Arkansas, passed away at home on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. He was the eighth child of Jimmie Velma and Henry Melvin Smith.

He is preceded in death by his son, Herman Lee Smith, Jr., mother, father, sisters Wilma Lee, Velma Josephine, Meveline, Annie Belle, and brothers John Henry, Clinton, William Oscar, John Lee, and Jimmie Lauren.

He was a son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, friend, storyteller, architect, builder, coach, problem-solver, golfer, and occasional trouble-maker. He loved basketball and played at Altheimer High School.

On January 3, 1957, at 18 years of age, and holding a general education diploma, Herman enlisted in the Air Force and then served for 20 years. During his time in the Air Force, he advanced to Master Sergeant. His roles included Explosive Ordnance Division technician and Civil Engineering. He did tours in Korea and Vietnam.

After he retired from the Air Force, he took a position with the Arkansas Highway Department where he stayed for nearly 22 years retiring as a Superintendent. During this time, he built and repaired many of Arkansas’ roads and bridges.

From 1971 to 2015, he built every house he and his family lived in, 8 in total. He also acted as General Contractor on several more home-builds in Cabot, Arkansas.

Upon retirement from the highway department, he was able to spend more time with his children and grandchildren attending their recitals and sports games. He also made more time for travel, Razorback games, and playing rounds of golf.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Mary Kathleen, daughters, Deborah Ann (David), Leighanne Kathleen, Carol Elizabeth, and Kathleen Lea (Tim), grandchildren Heather Renee, Hannah Marie, Christian Lee, Joel Tuscan, Micah Steven, Skye Chelynne Renee, Joseph Daniel Lee, and great-grandchildren Salman Mir and Zain Joseph.