Frank Martin Smith

Frank Martin Smith, 84, of Rogers, Ark., born Oct. 9, 1931 in Muskogee, Okla., passed away May 29, 2016 at Circle of Life Hospice in Legacy Village, Bentonville. He is survived by his brother, Pierce Lane Smith; son, Craig Martin Smith; grandson, Patrick Martin Smith and granddaughter, Olivia Elaine Smith. Frank is preceded in death by his parents Sigsbee James Smith and Wilma Reba Smith; his beautiful bride of 64 years, Wanda Lee Julian Smith; brother, Bobby Dane Smith and sister, Marilyn Loraine Smith Lewis. When Frank was 10 years old, he, his siblings and family were stationed at Pearl Harbor the day the base was struck by Japan. He spoke about the sights, sounds and aftermath of the bombings and destruction by the Japanese Zeros, and the historic events to follow. The Smith family moved back to Springdale, after Sigbee's retirement from military service where Frank graduated from Springdale High School with academic honors. He was a star athlete as the Bulldog starting quarterback, helping the team to many victories. Frank enrolled in the University of Arkansas, but left when his country called to serve in the Air Force,fighting in the Korean War, reaching the rank of Staff Sergeant upon his honorable discharge. He then returned to the University of Arkansas and graduated in 1958 with a Bachelor's degree in Business. Upon graduation, he chose to serve again, joining the Red Cross, learning CPR, water safety, and rescue. He became a certified lifeguard, swim and dive instructor. He was a voracious reader, enjoying mostly educational, business and political topics as well as news. He always said "School is never out for the pro" as he earned almost every professional real estate designation available including GRI, CRS and others. Frank was an accomplished home builder in Rogers for over 40 years, building a reputation for quality and customer service. He developed many popular local subdivisions including Weber, Parkwood, Turtle Creek, Patrick Place and Whispering Timbers. He was active in the local chapter of National Association of Homebuilders, graduating in the first class of builders in Arkansas to complete the training and certification of GBI with his son Craig. They were the first father and son in the nation to achieve the award. Frank M Smith Real Estate, "The Professionals" became one of the top sales volume leading offices in the Rogers area, spawning successful careers for many of the best agents for years to come. This was notable because Frank & Wanda chose Prairie Creek and Beaver Lake are for their office, at the time a small community east of Rogers. Frank was frequently a top producer earning lifetime Million Dollar Status, Realtor of the Year, and served a term as the Rogers Board of Realtors President. Growing up, he was known as "Frankie" by closest friends and family. He became an avid and accomplished golfer, enjoying many local tournament wins. Frankie relished trips and travel with Wanda, especially to Hot Springs and Eureka Springs. If schedule wouldn't allow travel, his favorite simple pleasure was riding his tractor. Even a day spent mowing was a treat. The celebration of Frank's life will begin with a visitation from 9-10 a.m., followed by a 10 a.m. memorial service Tuesday, June 7, 2016 at the Hunt Chapel in Pinnacle Memorial Gardens, 5930 Wallis Road, Rogers. With full military honors by the Rogers American Legion Post 100. Private interment will be in the Bluff Cemetery, Springdale, Ark. Memorial contributions may be made to The Humane Society for Animals, Inc. 407 East Nursery Road, Rogers and Meals on Wheels of Benton County. Arrangements by Benton County Funeral Home, 306 N. Fourth St, Rogers, Ark. Online condolences to www.bentoncountyfuneralhome.com.