Timothy Ross Smith

Born and raised in Fort Smith, he was the son of the late Ralph "Buddy" and Beverley Tankersley Smith.

He was a proud graduate Northside High School in 1972, went to receive his undergraduate degree at Baylor University and his Juris Doctorate from the University of Arkansas Law School. He was the founder and owner of Ross Explorations. Although Tim found success in his professional endeavors, he measured his life by a far different standard. To him, true success was found in loving God.

He accepted Jesus as his Savior in 1962 and was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church of Fort Smith, where his faith was nurtured and many of his most treasured relationships began. Among those was his best friend, Dr. Gary Edwards. Their story began in the church nursery, where the two shared a crib as infants before sharing more than seven decades of steadfast friendship--a brotherhood that remained one of life's greatest blessings.

As a young man, he and a close-knit group of friends earned the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest achievement for a Boy Scout, in Troop 53, led by Roy Gean. This was an achievement for which Tim was very proud. The lessons learned during those years--integrity, service, humility and quiet perseverance--became the foundation upon which he built his life.

Tim's faith was woven into every conversation, every decision, and every opportunity to serve. He devoted himself to mission work across the globe, starting as a young man in college. He helped establish and fund seminaries, orphanages, and hospitals. Through his generous support, countless young people received college educations, forever changing not only their own futures but the lives of generations to come. His compassion for those in need also led him to found The Buddy Smith House for homeless veterans, serve on the board of Next Step Day Center, Tom Cox Ministries, and contribute to many charities. He was a past president of Fort Smith Association of Professional Landmen, and a former commissioner of the Arkansas Oil & Gas Commission.

A man who was an advisor to congressmen, senators and governors, Tim was equally comfortably sharing the Gospel. Whether speaking with a Muslim taxi driver or encouraging someone on a street corner, he never missed an opportunity to share the hope he had found in Christ. Many Jehovah's Witnesses or Mormon missionaries were shocked to ring his doorbell and actually be invited into his home! Every person Tim encountered was someone he believed God deeply loved, and he demonstrated that through his every action.

Those who knew Tim best will remember a man of remarkable humility, compassion and generosity. He consistently placed the needs of others ahead of his own and lived as though the phrase "give until it hurts" was simply the natural rhythm of a faithful life. Most of his greatest acts of kindness were known only to those whose burdens he quietly carried. He never sought recognition or applause; he simply believed that loving people was one of the clearest ways to serve God.

In his later years, Tim discovered a new passion for adventure and, surprisingly, socialization. He and Cindy shared unforgettable memories traveling the world together, cruising to places such as Europe, Africa, and Dubai. He, quite unexpectedly, became a "party animal", opening their home to others for annual Oscar, Halloween (for which he obligingly wore costumes) and Christmas parties, as well as monthly dinner parties filled with laughter, friendship and fellowship. As his dear friend Gary observed, "Tim has now hosted more parties than he had attended in his entire life before Cindy."

Though his absence leaves an immeasurable void in the hearts of those who loved him, they do not grieve without hope. Instead, they rejoice in the promise that Tim is now home with the Lord he faithfully served and was surely greeted by the Savior with the words, "Well done, my good and faithful servant."

He is survived by his wife, Cindy Clark, sons David and Spencer Smith, and nephew Samuel Sicard (Jennifer), all of Fort Smith, as well as numerous cousins and his faithful dogs, whose unconditional love brought him endless comfort and companionship.

Special thanks to the staff at The Springs at Covington for their care and love shown to he and Cindy over the past several months. Special thanks to Betty and Jessy for always treating him like a treasured family member. Also, many thanks to the staff of Home Instead.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Fort Smith Animal Haven, Partner 135 (formerly Tom Cox Ministries) P.O. Box 7508, Van Buren, AR, 72956 or Cru.org.

Visitation will be from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm Sunday, August 9, 2026, at Edwards Funeral Home, 201 North 12th Street, Fort Smith.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, August 10, 2026, at the First Baptist Church, 1400 Grand Avenue, Fort Smith. Interment will be at Rose Lawn Cemetery.

Honorary pallbearers are Bob Marsh, Wendell Martin, Rusty Peoples, David Burton, Dr. Gary Edwards, Bill Buergler and the 1972 Northside Grizzlies Football Team.

Pallbearers: Glenn Constantino, Samuel Sicard, Larry Womack, John Sagely, Don Smith and Rick Roberson.