Russell Smith Jr

Russell Smith Jr., beloved husband, father, and grandfather, went to his eternal rest on Saturday, March 27th , 2021. Russ is survived by the love of his life, wife Marcia Kay (Overman) Smith, with whom he was married for 62 of his 84 years of life. Together they raised three loving children, Terri (Robert) Watson, Julie (Tony) Pastel, and David (Jordan) Smith.  A great favorite with his 6 grandchildren, (Kylie, Nick andZoe Smith, Alec (Allie) and Elise Watson, and Mia (Blake) Pastel, and beloved sister-in-law Susan Overman, Russ never missed an opportunity to tease them, teach them, and support them with unconditional love. Born in Marion, Indiana in 1937, to Russell and Ella Smith, Russ grew up on a farm in Upland with his two brothers Ronnie and Delbert, who predeceased him. He played basketball for Taylor University and was an avid golfer with a lifetime achievement of six holes-in-one. Russ spent 31 years working at General Motors as a superintendent of shipping and material handling, both in Marion, Indiana and in Lordstown, Ohio. Retiring in 1987, Russ and Kay moved to Hot Springs Village, AR, where he was finally able to golf to his heart’s content. Russ has been a member of Christ of the Hills Church where he and Kay have served as a greeters. Russ never met a stranger and has been well loved by many, many friends throughout his lifetime.He was unfailingly positive in his outlook, and took pleasure in the simple things in life -a double pepperoni pizza, befriending squirrels and possums that would tap on his window for a cracker,watching basketball, golf, or a good movie while munching on a bowl of popcorn and a Hershey bar. Seldom did a day go by when he did not talk or FaceTime with one of his kids or his grandkids, sharing with them wisdom from his well-lived life through his famous Russ witticisms. A celebration of Russ’s life is being planned for later this summer. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Fellowship of Christian Athletes at fca.org or Christ of the Hills United Methodist Church at cohumc.com. Online condolences can be made at www.cedarvalefuneralhome.com.