Joseph Gray Smith

Graveside services for Joseph Gray Smith, 98, Harrison, Arkansas, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, January 2, 2025, at Howell Memorial Park Cemetery, Pomona, Missouri, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Mr. Smith passed away at 11:09 p.m., Monday, December 23, 2024, at his home. 

Joe was born April 26, 1926, in O’Donald, Texas and moved to California with his family in 1939.  He worked as a farmer until 1944 when he joined the United States Army.  Joe was a corporal with the 43D Engineer Construction Battalion and served in Luzon Philippines; he received the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with a bronze star, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, WWII Victory Medal and the Army of Occupation Medal.  Joe worked for Sharpe’s Army Depot in Lathrop, California as a heavy duty mechanic and retired in 1988; during that time he also worked part time as a ranch foreman.  Joe moved to Harrison, Arkansas in 1997 after the death of his wife in 1992.  Joe enjoyed life and family.  He also enjoyed fishing, camping and dancing.  He was a member of the local Moose Lodge.

He is survived by three children, Joseph Ray Smith of State of Oklahoma, Ronald Smith and wife, Margie, of State of Arkansas and Sharon Cheatham and husband, Randy, of State of Arkansas; one daughter-in-law, Laurie Smith, State of Missouri; twelve grandchildren; nineteen great-grandchildren; and twelve great-great-grandchildren. 

His parents, Phillip and Nettie Smith, his wife, Neata Smith, one son, Randall Smith, one daughter, Shirley Talkington, six brothers and sisters, one granddaughter, Layce Lundy and one grandson, Matthew Cheatham, preceded him in death.  

Arrangements under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.