Bobby Loyd Smithson, 83, of Arkadelphia, AR, died Thursday, June 3, 2021. He was born on August 9, 1937, in Centerpoint, Arkansas to Rufe Smithson and Lillie Loyd Smithson. Bobby was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and lifelong educator. He graduated from Nashville High School in 1955 and continued his education at Henderson State Teachers College, graduating in 1959 with degrees in chemistry, math, and P.E. He went on to obtain a Masters degree from East Texas University in 1970. In 1961 Bobby came to Gurdon to teach math and coach. Little did he know that Gurdon was also the place he would meet his future wife, Julia. They married in 1963 and enjoyed 58 years of marriage. After briefly working as a chemist for the Ideal Cement Company in Okay, AR, Bobby served as principal at Lewisville High School from 1970-1971. Returning to Gurdon in 1971 as assistant superintendent, he then became superintendent in 1973. From 1987-1991, Bobby served as assistant superintendent for the Ashdown School District before returning to Gurdon. He served the remainder of his career, 17 years, as superintendent of Gurdon School District.

Bobby is survived by his wife, Julia Glover Smithson of Arkadelphia; his daughter, Terri Smithson King (Taylor) of Arkadelphia; two grandchildren, Austin King (Jillian) of Arkadelphia and Maggie Davis (Kyle) of Little Rock; two great-grandsons, Taylor Woods King and Benjamin Andrew King, both of Arkadelphia; and sister-in-law, Sandra Rowe (Danny) of Hot Springs. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rufe Smithson and Lillie Loyd Smithson; twin sister, Betty Smithson Evans; brother-in-law, Robert Evans; sister, June Smithson Payne; and brother- in-law, H.J. Payne.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Monday June 7, 2021 at Welch Funeral Home in Arkadelphia with Rob Evans officiating. Interment will be at Rest Haven Memorial Gardens.

Pallbearers will be Austin King, Taylor King, Kyle Davis, Eddy Clark, David Kuhn, and Danny Rowe. Honorary pallbearers will be Joe Tom Stricklin, Tommy Day, and Johnny Toombs.

In lieu of flowers, donations made be sent to Gurdon Athletic Booster Club, c/o Southern

Bancorp, 600 East Main Street, Gurdon AR 71743 or the Southern Christian Home, 100 W.

Harding Street, Morrilton AR, 72110.