Robert "Clark" Smith

Zachary Robert “Clark” Smith, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend and newspaper enthusiast, went home to be with the Lord during the evening hours of January 14, 2026, in Little Rock, Arkansas at the age of 64.

Clark was born to Reverend Dolphus P. Smith and Phyllis Napier Smith on July 14, 1961, in Abilene, Texas. The youngest of four children, Clark spent his childhood as a barefoot country boy in Homerville, Georgia. He graduated from Clinch County High School, then attended Valdosta State University, majoring in business. After various ventures in the business world, a resume submitted to the circulation department of the Valdosta Times would serve as the catalyst to a multi-state legacy in the newspaper and print industry.

Clark helmed numerous newspapers across the South, including publications in Georgia, Kentucky, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas and Oklahoma. With his passion and leadership, he maintained excellence and integrity across seventeen award winning newspapers, and more than a dozen shoppers, media websites, trades, and specialty publications.

Throughout these years, Clark served various professional, civic, and charitable organizations, including many local chambers of commerce, and later the Arkansas Press Association Board of Directors.

As retirement approached, Clark’s final endeavor would be the establishment of Ouachita Roofing with his son in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

Though many remember Clark for his success in the print industry, his ultimate devotion was to his family and friends (followed by the Georgia Bulldogs). He flourished in the role of being a single dad raising his two children. He married the love of his life in 2009, and they traveled the world together. The only thing he loved more than newspapers were his wife, kids, and grandchildren – the latter of which he never showed up to see empty handed.

Clark loved and was loved greatly in return.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Rex Smith; and brother, Reverend Artis Smith.

He is survived by his wife Irina Smith, of the home; daughter, Paige Henley, and husband Zac, of Hot Springs; son, Zachary Robert Clark Smith, Jr., of Hot Springs; grandchildren Clark, Lane, Anne, and Greer. He is also survived by his sister Karen Smith; sister-in-law Velda Smith (Rex); sister-in-law Cindy Smith (Artis); and a host of nieces and nephews.

A memorial service honoring Clark will be held on Monday, February 2, 2026 at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church in Glenwood, Arkansas. Visitation will be held at 10 a.m.