SPRINGDALE -- Thurman G. Smith helped open two elementary schools in the city, and served as superintendent of the Springdale School District for 19 years. He died Monday morning at 94.
Jim Rollins, superintendent of the district, said Smith hired him as director for secondary education in 1980. He remembers Smith as a positive and encouraging person, and a good leader.
At A Glance
Thurman G. Smith
• Born Feb. 2, 1920, in Poughkeepsie, Ark., where he grew up.
• Graduated from Poughkeepsie High School in 1938.
• Served in the Coast Guard as a seaman and port security specialist. He was honorably discharged in 1945.
• Graduated from Arkansas College in 1948 with a bachelor’s degree in science.
• Worked at Cave City High School from 1947-52.
• Earned his master’s of education degree from the University of Arkansas in 1955.
• Worked as a superintendent in Vandale.
• Moved to Springdale in 1957 to work as a teacher at Springdale High School.
• Worked as administrative assistant to the superintendent from 1958-63.
• Worked as superintendent of the Springdale School District from 1963 until he retired in 1982.
• Lived in Springfield, Mo., between 1984 and 1985.
• Moved to Fayetteville in 2000.
• Died Oct. 6 in Fayetteville.
Source: Staff Report
"I was so impressed with him personally," he said. "Everyday I worked for him was a treasure."
Charles Smith, the oldest of Thurman Smith's four children, said their family moved to Springdale in 1957. He remembered he was in fifth grade and his father was hired as a teacher at Springdale High School. His father became an administrative assistant to the superintendent a year later and was in charge of transportation before becoming superintendent in 1964.
Thurman Smith helped design and open Parson Hills and T.G. Smith elementary schools during his time as superintendent, Rollins said. The School Board at the time voted to name Smith Elementary School in honor of Smith.
Smith Elementary School opened 33 years ago, said Kim Simco, principal. She said she's proud to work at a school named after Smith.
She recalled meeting Smith at the Fayetteville Veteran's Home two summers ago. A smile spread over his face when she told him she was principal at Smith. She keeps a photo of herself and Smith in her office.
Simco described Smith as "a legacy," and said she wishes she'd known him better.
"He is near and dear to our hearts, because he's the namesake of our school," she said.
Simco said she told her teachers of Smith's death after learning about it Monday morning. She instructed them to share the news with their classes.
Charles Smith said he remembers his father as a "typical dad." He said he recalls his father as the type of man who was always striving to provide for his family in every way.
"He was a great dad," he said.
Charles Smith said his father suffered from Alzheimer's and dementia.
A visitation will be 5-7 p.m. today at Sisco Funeral Chapel at 705 W. Meadow Ave. in Springdale. Services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at Sisco. Burial will follow at Bluff Cemetery on Shiloh Street in Springdale.
Memorial donations can be made to Springdale Public Schools Education Foundation at 800 E. Emma Ave. Suite 327 in Springdale or to Alzheimer's Association at 210 N. Walton Blvd. in Bentonville.
NW News on 10/08/2014