Willis Otto “Smokey” Stover, 88, went to be with the Lord on June 5, 2024 in his home at Sugarloaf Lake in Hackett, Arkansas. He was born February 29, 1936 in Leedey, Oklahoma to Gerald and Reva (Howard) Stover.
Upon graduating high school at Perryton, Texas, he joined the Navy and trained to be an electrician, serving four years mostly aboard ships. He lived in California several years and worked as an industrial electrician. In the late 60’s Smokey moved to Fort Smith, Arkansas and was hired by Whirlpool to help install their new factory lines. He worked for Whirlpool several years before moving to Oklahoma City using his skills to help with robotic components for GM. After returning to the Fort Smith area, he met the love of his life, Vera. They made their home and wonderful memories together at Sugarloaf Lake.
Smokey was a great stock car driver. He competed at Tri-State and Crawford County Speedways. Some of his favorite past times included metal detecting and fishing with friends. He loved being a part of the Christian Motorcyclists Association, riding to events well into his 80’s. Smokey loved his family at Tyro Community Church and often played the harmonica and sang hymns at Sunday morning services. Sharing stories of what the Lord had done for him was often central to his conversation with everyone he met. Smokey leaves behind many cherished friends and family members that will miss him and fondly recall his stories of his many life adventures.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Meridean Jones. He is survived by his wife, Vera (Jones) Stover; siblings, Wayne Stover and Judy Haverstick; daughters, Lee Ann, Belinda and Carmelita; son, Smokey Wayne; grandchildren, Zachariah, Aimie, Dakota and Isabella and great grandson, Scottie Ray.
Funeral service will be 9 a.m., Monday, June 10 at McConnell Funeral Home Chapel in Greenwood with burial with military honors at the Fort Smith National Cemetery. Viewing will be Sunday from 1 – 7 p.m. at the funeral home, where the family will visit with friends from 5 – 7 p.m.
Pallbearers will be Eugene Stover, David Wayne Stover, Brian Jones, Heath Jones, Woody Hester and Cogan Hester. Honorary pallbearers will be the Christian Motorcycle Association, Wyatt Hester, Troy Flanery, Trey Flanery and Conner Jones.
To share a memory or leave a message for the family, please visit www.mcconnellfh.com.
