Stone County Deputy Justin Smith, age 60, of Mountain View, was shot and killed in the line of duty on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, while serving the people of Stone County.
He was born in Holland, Michigan on August 12, 1963, to Billy Joe Smith and Elwanda Smith (Westerfield), but was raised outside of Newport, Arkansas for most of his life.
For those who knew him, Justin was always one to greet you with a smile, and he never met a stranger. He loved his family dearly and would go out of his way to help family or friends in need. It was his lifelong dream to serve his community in law enforcement.
Justin spent 24 years serving those around him. Starting as a corrections officer in Jackson and Independence County, and later as Constable and Deputy Sheriff serving Stone County, Arkansas. He had 14 years of service with the Stone County Sheriff’s Department.
Deputy Smith loved hunting with family and friends, traveling with his wife, and visiting with those he loved. He was great with kids and will be missed by his many grandchildren, and all who knew him.
Justin is survived by his wife, Lori, of Mountain View. By his 3 sons, Ash Smith and wife Emily of Belleville, Illinois, Cory Smith and wife Kailisa of Horseshoe Bend, Arkansas, and Jerrod Smith of Newark, Arkansas. And by his 3 stepchildren Jennifer and husband Andrew Dickson of Mountain View, Jessica and husband, Jared Gould, of Seymour, Missouri, and Aaron Laster of Sweet Springs, Missouri. He was ”Pop” to 14 grandchildren. He is also survived by 4 siblings, Sandra Schultz, and husband Alvin of Orlando, FL, Jo Ann Mullins and husband Albert of Lake City, Arkansas, Ralph Smith and wife Kathy of Newport, Arkansas, and Bill Smith Jr. and wife Sharri also of Newport.
He is also an uncle to numerous nieces and nephews and a beloved cousin to many.
He is preceded in death by his Father, Billy Joe Smith, his mother, Elwanda Smith, and his granddaughter Chloe Dickson.
A memorial reception for family only will be held at Roller-Crouch Funeral Home in Mountain View on Friday, January 5th. Services will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, January 6th at the Ozark Folk Center in Mountain View, followed by a graveside service at Flatwoods Cemetery.
A memorial fund for the family has been set up and donations can be sent to: https://gofund.me/0ca56343
Checks can also be accepted at Centennial Bank, in Mountain View.
The family thanks the community for its love and support.