John M. Smith

J. M. SMITH, PIONEER CLARENDON CITIZEN DIES - PASSED AWAY IN LITTLE ROCK SATURDAY; THE BURIAL WAS AT CLARENDON SUNDAY.

Many friends all over Monroe County were saddened by news Saturday of the passing of John M. Smith, pioneer Clarendon citizen, in a Little Rock hospital.

Mr. Smith was born at Holly Grove Dec. 6, 1861, and as a small boy joined the Presbyterian Church. He began working as a fireman for the Missouri-Pacific Ry., which was known at that time as the Ark. Midland Ry., on Dec. 9, 1882, and 3 years later was promoted to engineer. He moved to Clarendon, was married Nov. 18, 1886 to Miss Josie E. Franklin. To this union was born 4 children, two of whom survive: Mrs. J. E. Walsh, Sparkman, Miss Floy Smith of Clarendon. Mrs. Smith passed away March 17, 1899. On July 23, 1900 he was married to Miss Maggie Mytinger of Little Rock, To this union was born 5 children, three of whom survive: Misses Evelyn Smith and Miriam Smith of Clarendon, and John M. Smith of Oakridge, Tenn. Mrs. Smith passed away Oct. 4, 1937. Mr. Smith is also survived by 4 grandchildren: Miss Mary Sue Walsh, Sparkman; Jimmie E. Walsh of the Marine Corps, who is stationed at Naval Air Station, Banana River, Fla.; John III and Don Smith of Oakridge, Tenn.

Mr. Smith retired from active service Dec. 5, 1931, after serving 49 years. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge for over 60 years. The Clarendon lodge gave him a life membership at 50 years. The Grand Lodge presented him with a 50-year pin. He was made an Elder of the First Presbyterian Church at Clarendon on July 23, 1900 and always remained a staunch, active, earnest worker.

On Saturday, July 20 at ten minutes until 12 o’clock, he was called to his Heavenly Home. He had fought a good fight, he had finished the course, he had kept the faith.

The beautiful lives of our departed ones are God’s finger post to the Immortal life. They are God's light-houses shining our over life’s troubled sea. We haven’t really lost them, they have just gone on ahead to make Heaven a lovelier place for us. These experiences that come to us on life’s highway, but make the assurance that belong to Christians all the more precious.

Services were held at the Clarendon First Presbyterian Church on Sunday afternoon at 5 o’clock. The many flowers and large attendance showed more than words could have expressed, the love and esteem that everyone had for him. Rev. Dinwiddie, the pastor, was in charge of the service, assisted by Rev. Bridenthal of the Methodist church. The body was laid to rest in Shady Grove Cemetery in the family lot, with a most impressive service by the Masons, with Worshipful Master Ernest McCastlain of Holly Grove in charge. As the sun in the West was slowly going down, the body was lowered into the grave, to await the final call of the Resurrection

To the family: “May the Giver of Peace be with you, and lighten your heart today; May His presence bring comfort, that no human words can say.” M.C.P.