Randall Allen Smith

Randall A. “Randy” Smith, 69, of Kibler, passed away Friday, April 25, 2025 in Fort Smith. He was born October 21, 1955 in Fayetteville to the late Joe and Hermie (Bruns) Smith. Randy was a 1973 graduate of Van Buren High School, and attended Westark Community College. He received his funeral director’s license in 1977, and had retired from the industry as the Location Manager of Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home in 2022.

Randy loved anything history related and became involved with Fairview Cemetery in 2004 when seeking to have it placed on the National Register of Historic Places; his efforts were rewarded with placement on the registry in June 2005. He produced the first ever "Tales of the Crypt" fundraiser at Fairview in 2006 in collaboration with Tom Wing and his historical interpretation students from UAFS. In 2009, Arkansas PBS produced a documentary called "Silent Storytellers," a film about historic cemeteries in Arkansas, and the individuals involved with them. Randy was instrumental in having Fairview featured in this production.

Randy had been directly involved and responsible for the restoration of 63 historic monuments at Fairview, in addition to the installation of period lighting throughout the cemetery, and had played a key role in the donation and installation of a set historic carriage steps that were placed on the south side of the cemetery. Randy was a good steward of the cemetery, and in recognition, had received the 2019 Iverson Riggs’ Citizen of the Year award.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Stacey Smith; and a brother, Neil Smith.

He is survived by two sisters, Paula Levy of Fort Smith, and Melissa Swagerty and husband Brendan of Chicago; a brother, Greg Smith and wife Amy of Sapulpa; and his companion, Kathi Workman of Mulberry.

Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, May 2, 2025 at Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home Chapel with interment to follow at Fairview Cemetery, under the direction of Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home of Van Buren, AR.

Pallbearers will be Jim Edwards, Robert Kaelin, Richard Longmate, Joe Jackson, Scott Berna, Butch Edwards, and Brandy McKinney.

The family will visit with friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, May 1, 2025, at Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home, 4100 Alma Highway, Van Buren, AR.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are requested to be made to Almost Home Animal Shelter at www.almosthomesheltervb.com or at 707 North 22nd, Van Buren, AR 72956.