CMSgt. Jewel "Nip" Smart , USAF (Ret.)

CMSgt. Jewel “Nip” Smart, USAF (Ret.), age 94, was born October 18, 1931, in Haskell, Arkansas and passed away February 27, 2026. A brave and cherished man, he lived in Bossier City, Louisiana. After this introduction, he will be remembered simply as Nip.

Nip served his country with honor in the United States Air Force during the Korean and the Vietnam War and retired after 27 years of distinguished service with the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. His decorations included the Air Force Commendation Medal, Meritorious Metal, Outstanding Unit Award, and the Bronze Star.

Nip married the love of his life, Noreen, from Norfolk, England—a place they loved and visited often to see her family. Together they enjoyed camping, fishing, and hunting, and they especially loved traveling to Blue Grass festivals. Nip also loved playing golf and spending time with his family. Nip and Noreen shared 54 years of marriage.

Nip is survived by his daughter, Leslie Smart Arce and husband, Edward Arce; granddaughters, Nicole Smart, Courtney Smart Coile, Katie Smart McCoy and husband, Willie McCoy, Steffanie Arce, and Elizabeth Arce; grandsons, Nick Arce and wife, Samantha Arce, and Derrick Arce and wife, Ashley Arce; great-grandsons, Landon Hydro, Kip Coile, Durbin Coile, Brady McCoy, Brenton McCoy, Derrek Arce, Paul Arce, Dexter Arce; great-granddaughters, Anique Arce, Riley Arce, and Harper Arce; brother, Randy Smart and wife Theresa Smart; and sister, Martha Smart Jumper, and husband, Stuard Jumper. After the death of Noreen in 2008, he married his companion, Sarah Davis, in 2016.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Noreen Smart; his son, Donald Smart; his daughters, Cheryl Smart; his father, Jewel Smart; and his mother, Gladys Smart; his sister, Sue Smart Cox; his brother, Gary Smart.

In honor of Nip's memory, serving as pallbearers will be Kip Coile, Durbin Coile, Landon Hydro, Brady McCoy, Brenton McCoy, Derrek Arce, and Paul Arce.

The family would like to thank Bristol Hospice and Northwest Louisiana Veterans Home Bossier City, especially to Penny Evette and Mack, for who we are truly grateful for.

Visitation will be held at Hill Crest Memorial Chapel, 601 Hwy 80, Haughton, Louisiana 71037, on March 7, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm. A Celebration of Life will follow at Hill Crest Memorial Chapel on March 7, 2026, beginning at 2:00 pm.