Cleodis Victor Smith

Cleodis Victor Smith, 86 of Cotton Plant, passed away Monday April 28 at Unity Health Medical Center in Searcy.

Cleodis was born May 16, 1938 in Cotton Plant, Arkansas to Cleo Smith and Cora Lee Hinton-Smith.

Cleodis was a lifelong member of Ash Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Cotton Plant. Over the years he served as a member of the church's Deacon Board, Minister of Music and Associate Pastor.

Cleodis received his early education from the Cotton Plant Public School System. He was a 1958 graduate of Cotton Plant Vocational High School. He went on to attend AM&N College (University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff).

In 1960, Cleodis enlisted into the United State Air Force, where he served for 4 years and received an honorable discharge.

Cleodis was formerly employed with the Cotton Plant School District as a Teacher, Counselor and a Para Professional.

Cleodis served an elected Mayor of the City of Cotton Plant, Arkansas, where he served 1 term in the early 2000's.

In August 1998, Cleodis married Ruby Mae Woods.

His son Patrick Riddle, his grandchildren: Karon Fisher and Keshawn Brooks; his parents: Cleo Smith and Cora Lee Smith-Barker, and three sisters: Dora Lee Smith, Doris Smith-Reid and Joyce Silverman all preceded Cleodis in death.

Survivors are: his wife Ruby Mae Smith of Cotton Plant, AR; three sons: Victor (Vernona) Smith of Canton, GA; Kevon Smith of Compton, CA and Cornell Woods of Cotton Plant, AR; eight daughters: Regina Smith of Des Moines, IA; Evenlyn Saucer of Winchester, CA; Angela Echols and Mary Smith both of Sumrall, MS; Denise (James) Fisher of Compton, CA; Barbara Woods and Beverly (John) Keaton both of Marion, AR and Marshell Woods of Jonesboro, AR; 33 grandchildren, 41 great grandchildren; two brothers: Bill (Liz) Smith of Duncanville, TX and Hosea Smith of Augusta, AR and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 3 at 2 PM at Ash Grove Missionary Baptist Church, 114 McMurtry Street in Cotton Plant with Reverend Odell Haggans serving as Eulogist. Interment will take place at Ebenezer Cemetery in Cotton Plant by C.J. Williams Funeral Directors and Cremations of Brinkley (870) 589-5036 and Stuttgart (870) 672-7100 email: williamsfuneraldirectors2022@gmail.com and Web Address: www.williamsfuneraldirectors.net <http://www.williamsfuneraldirectors.net>

Pallbearers are: James Fisher, Eric Sydney, Kirby Smith, Al Woods, John Keaton and Cornell Woods.