Grover Carrel Smith

Grover Carrel Smith, 87, of Benton, moved to Heaven on July 24, 2023.  He was born on December 12, 1935, in Corpus Christi, Texas to Grover Boren Smith, Jr. and Elizabeth Williams Carrel.  He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents, Grover and Maggie Smith, M Gray and Pearl Carrel; and his daughter, Sherie Lynn Smith Hughes.

Grover attended public schools in Oak Cliff, Dallas, Texas, and Arlington State College, Arlington, Texas. At the age of 9, Grover began his music career playing violin, viola, flute, and piccolo in orchestra.  He was honored to play with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra for several years.  He played approximately thirty instruments in his lifetime.

Grover married Betty Lynn Jester on March 12, 1954.  They had three children:  Sherie Lynn, Pamela Gay, and Grover Lee. 

His major career was with AT&T from 1955 to 1987, working in the Plant Department in Dallas, Texas, Engineering in Kansas City, Missouri and Management in Little Rock, Arkansas.

While in Dallas, Grover was a Deputy Sheriff under Sheriff Bill Decker for twelve years.  He served eight years in the Texas Air National Guard and became a ham radio operator.  The highlight in Kansas City was to rededicate his life to his Savior, Jesus Christ.  He also earned his pilot license.  In Arkansas, he studied to be an EMT, and taught for many years as a first aid instructor and CPR training for AT&T.  

Grover and Betty joined Arkansas Country Dance Society in 1986 and clogged on a team, did old time folk dancing, and joined the band playing many dances locally and regionally, providing Scottish music for many balls.  Grover added bass, hammered dulcimer, and recorder performances. He played with several bands, including Cajun with Betty. He was a long time member of Center Point Church.

Grover is survived by his wife, Betty; daughter, Gay (Mike) Burt; son, Lee (Denise) Smith; four grandchildren:  Shea (Eddie) Williams, Aaron (Amber) Crowe, Bryan Smith and Steven (Erin) Crowe.  There are eight great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and special step-grandchildren:  Karen (Don) Denton and B.J. (Christin) Ward.  Special blessings to him are Kathy and Carey Stevens of Conway, Arkansas.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 5 at 11:00 AM, at Center Point Church, Benton, with visitation at 10:00 AM.  Burial will be at a later date at Lee Cemetery in Benton.  Memorials may be made to American Cancer Society at https://donate.cancer.org.

Arrangements entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home.  Online guestbook:  www.SmithFamilyCares.com.