John Elvin Smith, Jr. of Camden, AR, age 70, passed away at home on Friday night, February 20, 2026. He had stage 4 colon cancer and also pneumonia. He was born on April 15, 1955 in Forrest City, AR. He was the son of John Elvin Smith, Sr. and Elizabeth Smith.  He lived in Forrest City most of his life before coming to Camden.

He married Pattie Gail Coleman Smith on February 20th, 1981. He is survived by his wife, Pattie, of Camden; one son, Wesley M. Jackson of Forrest City, AR; one daughter, Angie Michelle Colvin, who preceded him in death in 2007; one brother, James Ray Smith of Forrest City; he has several uncles, Lloyd Thomas, David Thomas and Jerry Thomas; four aunts; Christine Jones, Gracie Poindexter, Katy Burke and Carol Pruitt.

He has one niece, Debra Hendrix; one nephew, Jay Smith; he has one great niece, Deanna Hendrix; and one great nephew, Eli Hendrix; he has two grandsons, Trey Colvin and Chris Colvin; a granddaughter, Kate Jackson; also three great grandchildren, Taylor Elizabeth Colvin, Haylee Michelle Colvin and Wayne Daniel Jackson.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents on both sides, and a very special aunt, Treva Lou Smith.

John has a very special friend, Idella M. Hansen, who was also a co-driver for IBI Security Transport out of New Jersey.  They worked together for several years and later got new co-drivers. John worked there for at least 12 years and has made a lot of friends all over the U.S.

When John was school age, he got a nickname of Copperhead. He was bitten by a copperhead snake while hunting in the woods close to his home in Forrest City.

John's wishes were to be cremated. No services are planned at this time.