Mr. Donald Ray Smith, 73 of Little Rock, Arkansas transitioned from labor to reward on December 5, 2023 at John L. McClellan Memorial Veterans Hospital - Little Rock. He was born in Roston, AR on December 29, 1949 to the late Jessie H. Smith and Maud Eva Blake Smith. Donald grew up in the Malvern School District graduating from Wilson High School in 1967. Don retired from the US Postal Service after more than 30 years of an exemplary, honor-filled career. Don leaves treasured memories of 30 years of life, love, and marriage to his wife Claudia Ann Nolan Smith. He is further remembered by his children Davetta Bowles (Billy), Ferlando Smith (Jessica), Dawn Young (Ian), Elgin Smith (Naomi), Lakendra Smith Burnett, Blake Smith, and Evan Smith. Grandchildren, Sade' Smith Jackson, Braelyn and Breaya Bowles, Kadence Burnett, Kira and Kendrick Brown, Karigan Smith and Layla Smith and one great-grandchild, Kenai Anthony Jackson. He also leaves his sister, Dianne Curry, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and special long-time friends to remember times of laughter, fellowship, travel, and friendships that have lasted throughout the years. Soldier, rest! thy warfare o'er, Sleep the sleep that knows not breaking; Dream of battled fields no more, Days of danger, nights of waking. In our isle's enchanted hall, Hands unseen thy couch are strewing, Fairy strains of music fall, Every sense in slumber dewing. Soldier, rest! thy warfare o'er, Dream of fighting fields no more; Sleep the sleep that knows not breaking, Morn of toil, nor night of waking. Samuel L. Vance & Sons Funeral Directors "The Epitome of Service" WILL LIE IN PEACEFUL REPOSE Friday, December 15, 2023 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM Union African Methodist Episcopal Church 1825 South Pulaski Street Little Rock, AR 72206 Funeral Service Friday, December 15, 2023 11:00 AM Union African Methodist Episcopal Church 1825 South Pulaski Street Little Rock, AR 72206 INTERMENT Monday, December 18, 2023 1:00 PM Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery 1501 W. Maryland Avenue North Little Rock, AR 72120