Phillip Edward Smith

“He was a quiet man who never needed many words, for his hardworking hands and the life he lived told a story greater than words ever could”.

Phillip Edward Smith

September 30, 1937 (A Legacy of Love) November 5, 2026

Phillip Edward Smith, born September 30, 1937, in New Edinburgh, Arkansas, was the son of the late Emily Inez Russell and Edgar Tapler Smith. He was a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and recently a great-great grandfather.

At the age of 13, Phillip began working as an aircraft marshaller and learned the trade by watching and later became a crop-duster mechanic, dedicating an extraordinary 75 years to the same place of employment. Names of businesses changed (Mike and Dean MyHand, Ag-Air, Swan Lake, and presently known as Farmers Brother) and even the location changed, but Phillip remained the same. His remarkable work ethic and loyalty were admired by all who knew him. The family extends a special appreciation to Jason for his love and kindness for allowing Phillip to continue doing what he loved while maintaining his dignity and independence.

Phillip enjoyed riding horses and four-wheelers, traveling, making knives, and watching Westerns, especially those starring John Wayne. Although a quiet man, he loved sharing stories of his childhood and the good old days.

He shared 53 years of marriage with his loving wife, Betty DeAnne Harrison Smith. He was the beloved father of Michael Leo Smith; the late Janet Quarrels (deceased husband Gerald); Phyllis (Charles) Fowler; David (Stacy) Smith; Tammy (Scott) Wood; and his baby girl Suzanne (Tony) Kirkpatrick. He was blessed with 14 grandchildren and their spouses: Sean (Lori), Mary (Dewayne), Amber, Benjamin (Kaitlin), Clayton, Abigayle, Kailynn, Elizabeth (James), Kassie (Chris), Tiffany, Shelton (Hannah). Stormy, Dakota (Ricky), Paige. Phillip has 18 great-grandchildren: Lincoln, Orrin, Linden, Dalton (Skylar), Donnie, Sophia, Sawyer, Danny Ray, Hunter, Scotlee, Scarlett, Chevy, Bryson, Korbin, Sophia, Lilly, Paisely, +1, and one great-great grandson Dallas. He was one of 11 children which includes: 6 brothers Bruce, George, Hardy, Floyd, Ed, Jerry and 4 sisters: Martha, Jean, Mary, and the late Nancy and leaves behind a large extended family and friends who will cherish his memory.

Phillip will be remembered for his hardworking hands, his quiet strength, his love and the many lessons he taught through the life he lived. Especially, the lesson you are burning daylight if you are not up before the sun comes up.

“His hands may be at rest, but the legacy he built will live on for generations”