Quorum Court member Rex Smart dead at 74

Justice of the Peace Rex Smart, 74, died Saturday, July 18, at St. Bernards Regional Medical Center in Jonesboro.

Smart had served as a JP for McDougal since 1999, representing the small community as a member of the Clay County Quorum Court. During his time as a member of the court, Smart was known for his willingness to work hard in order to best serve the interests of both the county as a whole and its residents.

Smart was a vocal member of the court, as shown when he raised his concerns during the financial difficulties of 2006. Smart argued against eliminating positions at the county's courthouses until it was a last resort to cut costs during the economic shortfall.

He was retired from Delta Asphalt Company and shared his insight and experience from that work with the county in regards to its road department.

He was born Feb. 4, 1935, near Crockett, to the late Dan and Thronie (Blair) Smart.

He enjoyed quail hunting and listening to bluegrass gospel music.

He is survived by three daughters, Karen Fisk, Janet Smart and Leanna Kay Smart, all of Jonesboro; one brother, Junior Lee Smart of Bowling Green, Ky.; one grandson, Richard "Richie" Fisk Jr. of Jonesboro, and one special longtime friend, Saundra Hatley and family of McDougal.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Lavon "Sonny" Smart, Homer Gene Smart and Ray "Hub" Smart, and two sisters, Marcellene Vaught and Patsy Lavell Millikan.

Services were held Monday, July 20, at Ermert Funeral Home in Corning with Rev. Waymon Holt officiating. Burial followed in the Post Oak Cemetery in McDougal.

Pallbearers were Junior Honeycutt, Mike Mansker, Joe Hardin, Randy

Jackson, David Hatcher and Delmar Foster.

Ermert Funeral Home of Corning was in charge of the arrangements.