James Ewell "Fat" Smith

of Melbourne, Arkansas

James Ewell "Fat" Smith, son of the late Wilkon Henry Smith and Capitola Copeland Smith, was born March 24, 1940 in Melbourne, Arkansas. He departed this life November 7, 2019 at his home in Melbourne, Arkansas at the age of 79 years, 7 months and 12 days. He was united in marriage to Gaye Cooper January 20, 1961 and together they raised three sons. Fat was a lifelong resident of Melbourne. He spent his life as a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, provider and friend. He was a professional cutting horse trainer and dog handler by trade. He was of the Baptist faith and a member of Belview Baptist Church in Melbourne.

Fat is survived by his wife of 58 years: Gaye Smith of the home; two sons and three daughters-in-law: Al and Kim Smith and Grant and Kerri Smith of Melbourne and Carla Smith of Conway; nine grandchildren: Austin Smith, Sydney Smith, Kaylee King (Preston), Dylan Smith, Allyson Smith, Maddie Smith, Kappi Smith, Logan Holladay (Sammie), Levi Watson; four great grandchildren: Harlin, Raylin, Annalin, Gatlin Holladay and Mary Kathryn King and a host of other relatives and many good friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; one son: Tom Smith; two brothers: John Smith and Roger Smith and one sister: Carrie Boatman.

Visitation will be Saturday, November 9 from 6-8 p.m. at Eddie's Family Funeral Home in Melbourne. Funeral service will be Sunday, November 10 at 2:00 p.m. at Belview Baptist Church in Melbourne with Raymon Carneal and Logan Holladay officiating. Burial will be at Combs Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Tom W. Smith Scholarship, C/O Ozarka College, P.O. Box 10, Melbourne, Arkansas 72556.

Pallbearers: Al Smith, Grant Smith, Austin Smith, Dylan Smith, Donnie Smith and Jason Cooper.