Mr. James William Smith, Jr. AKA "Peedy" "Cowboy"

James William Smith, Jr. was born in Forrest City, AR on July 9, 1979, to the parentage of Barbara Ann Willis - Smith and James William Smith, Sr. Family members affectionately nicknamed him ‘Peedy’, when he was a baby. James professed a hope in Christ at an early age. He was a member of the Telico Missionary Baptist Church for many years. James was educated in the Forrest City School District. He graduated from Forrest City High School in 1998. James obtained his commercial driver’s license and worked on both long and short haul transport for over 25 years. He was proud to be a truck driver. He made it his business to know and understand all regulations of the trucking business; He was a stickler for safety. During his career as a truck driver, James worked for Werner, Celadon, and Ward trucking companies. James had a quiet demeanor. However, when presented with opportunities, he was eager to engage in conversations about politics, current events, life, religion, the trucking industry and country music. James had a great love for country music. Some of his favorite artists include Charley Pride, George Strait, George Jones, and Garth Brooks. James often carried his guitar with him and was quick to sing his favorite songs and impart his knowledge of the artist, whenever and wherever he found a captive audience. James was an independent thinker. This was evidenced by his unique style of dress. His boots were on the ground long before western wear and cowboy boots were made popular in black culture, by a song. James’ signature look included cowboy boots, cowboy hats, starched slim fit denim jeans, plaid button-down collared shirts, mirrored sunglasses, cowboy belts/buckles, bolo tie or shoestring neckties and a cigarette package in his shirt pocket. His never-failing western attire and love for county music garnered the nickname ‘Cowboy’. James is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Johnnie Mae and Leroy Willis, Sr.; his paternal grandparents, Lou Daisy Funches and George Smith; and his brother, Keith Lavelle Willis. Left to cherish in his memory are his parents, Barbara Ann Smith of Forrest City, AR and James William Smith, Sr. also of Forrest City, AR; One sister, Patricia Elliott (Andre) of North Little Rock, AR and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. We are thankful to God for granting James 46 years on earth and we will treasure every memory of him.

Mr. James William Smith, Jr. AKA "Peedy" "Cowboy"

July 9, 1979 - July 25, 2025