Arkadelphia

Before becoming the Manager and Funeral Director at Ruggles-Wilcox Funeral Home, Will was already accustomed to helping others in his roles as teacher, athletic coach and assistant chief of the Point Cedar Fire Department. His experience with his own father's service is what inspired him to become a funeral professional, having witnessed the kindness of those who helped him and his mother through that time. Now, he deeply enjoys fulfilling that same purpose with the families of Arkadelphia. 

Father, Razorback fan, and Henderson State University alum.

Wade's role as a minister brought him to Smith Family Funeral Homes years ago, and we're so glad he decided to stay with us! As a father of six, Wade's life is a busy one but he still makes time for golf, watching sports, and telling Dad jokes. His favorite part of being a funeral professional is the connections and lifelong friendships he has made meeting families during one of the toughest times of their lives.

Mother, University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana alum, and thrift shopping maven.

Described by her friends and family as intuitive, resilient, and resourceful, Ashley is a resident of Arkadelphia and an integral member of the Ruggles-Wilcox team. She was inspired to become a funeral professional so that she could guide individuals through their loss by celebrating the life their loved ones lived, helping her community re-imagine funerals as a "wholesome commemoration rather than a dreaded event."

Upright bassist, Arkansas Barrel Racing Association Member, and holder of 5 academic degrees.

A classic overachiever, MacKenzie impressively holds three associate degrees, one bachelor's degree, and one master's degree for a total of 5! She is also pursuing her Doctorate of Education in Organizational Leadership at Abilene Christian University. MacKenzie serves as an adjunct instructor in the Funeral Service Program at the UofA Hope-Texarkana. Outside her work at the funeral home, MacKenzie finds meaning and joy in riding horses, racing mules, and playing her upright bass in church every Sunday.

Lifelong Arkadelphia resident, father, and sports lover.

An Arkadelphia High School graduate, Tobey knew he wanted to stay in his hometown and help families in his community. His wife, Shasta, shares his love of Arkadelphia and dedicates her time to it by serving as Pre-Kindergarten Coordinator at the Dawson Education Service Cooperative. Locals are likely to find Tobey working out at A-town Fitness or attending Third Street Baptist Church with his family. 

Mother, Arkadelphia Badgers fan, and cooking enthusiast. 

Tiffany arrived in Arkadelphia 22 years ago and has loved the community ever since! Her compassion for others led her to join our team at Ruggles-Wilcox Funeral Home, where she lives out her mission to be there for others in their time of need. For TIffany, a good day is spent cheering on her favorite sports team with her family.

Arkadelphia native, Delta Kappa Gamma member, and gifted pianist. 

A comforting presence for families who come to Ruggles-Wilcox Funeral Home, Nancy truly embodies the values of our team. In addition to being a devoted parishioner of First Baptist Church in Arkadelphia and a member of the Primrose Garden Club, Nancy is blessed to have two children, four grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren!

Arkadelphia High alum, Corgi owner, and DIY buff.

Born and raised in Arkadelphia, Gracie is very at home in our tight-knit community! Friends of Gracie know she can cook an extravagant meal, but don't ask her to do any baking. While in school, she played volleyball and softball and continues to keep up with all Badgers' sports teams. Now, she is happy to spend her time fishing with her fiancee, tackling a new DIY project, or helping families at the funeral home honor the lives of their loved ones.

Outdoorsman, Gurdon High School graduate, and Coke Zero loyalist.

For Clark, some of the greatest joys in life include hunting, fishing, and raising chickens! His passion for funeral service was developed in large part by his uncle, Kenny Clark, who was a grave opener in Clark County for many years. 

In 2010, Jeff and Leslie Smith stepped into the role of leading the Smith Family Funeral Homes, planning to continue the legacy of the funeral home his family had created. Jeff graduated from the University of Arkansas with a Bachelor's Degree in Small Business Management and the University of Memphis with an MBA. In 2017, Jeff and his wife, Leslie purchased Ruggles-Wilcox in Arkadelphia in order to help more families in Central Arkansas. 

He is proud to carry on the Smith family tradition of funeral service and the proud father of three children, Hayden, Kaylee, and Sawyer. As Vice President, Leslie adds her motherly touch to our Smith Family.

Clay came to work at Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home in 1979 as an apprentice funeral director. He became a licensed Funeral Director in 1982 after serving his apprenticeship. He then went to Mortuary School in Dallas and was licensed as an embalmer in 1983.

He was the Manager of Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home from 2005 to 2015 and is now General Manager of Operations of all Smith Family Funeral Homes.

Craig is a Regional Manager, licensed funeral director, and embalmer. He has been with Smith Family Funeral Homes since 2010.  

He oversees the daily operations of five of the full-service funeral homes that fall under the Smith Family Funeral Homes umbrella. They are Smith Westbrook-Beebe; Ruggles Wilcox-Arkadelphia; Smith Family Funeral Homes-Hot Springs; Smith Family Funeral Homes-Glenwood and Smith Family Funeral Homes-Sherwood. 

Emory, a licensed Embalmer & Funeral Director, joined our firm in 2011. He is the Manager of Smith Family Care Center along with our Cremation Centers in Little Rock, North Little Rock & Glenwood.  Emory is a CANA certified crematory operator, an honor graduate of ASU – Mountain Home with a degree in Mortuary Science, and a member of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society. Emory received scholarships to attend ICCFA University in 2019 & 2021, and he is the 2020 recipient of the Clifford Smith Award.