Dr. Cortez Smith Jr.

Dr. Cortez Smith, Jr., 72, of Pine Bluff, AR, departed this life on February 14, 2021. Dr. Cortez (C.T.) Smith, Jr., was born on July 8, 1948, to Mr. Cortez Smith, Sr., and Mrs. Hazel (Penny) Smith in Eldorado, Arkansas. Cortez attended Watson Elementary and graduated from Washington High School in Eldorado, Arkansas. Cortez decided to further his education after spending a summer working on a city garbage truck. He had a natural gift of working with automotive machines, which resulted in his decision to major in Vocational Education specializing in Auto mechanics at A.M. & N. College in Pine Bluff, Arkansas.

Cortez had many special people that helped him on his journey. It was as if God had placed angels to be his guide after graduating from high school in 1966. He completed a B.S. Degree in Industrial Arts Education in May 1970. However, in October of the same year, Uncle Sam requested that he report for duty. He served his country in Vietnam as an Army Specialist, Aircraft Mechanic Crew Chief, and Gunner on Assault Helicopters. He was awarded a National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Sharpshooter Decoration.

While serving in Vietnam, he promised God that if he allowed him to live, he would spend his life helping children. He received his opportunity when he was hired by the Altheimer School District in Altheimer, Arkansas, as a Vocational Arts Teacher and school bus mechanic. While working at Altheimer, he used his G.I. Bill to further his education by earning a Master's in Vocational Education, Specialist Degree in Education, and Doctorate in Education from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. In addition, he was selected and received training as a Multi-Centered Competency-Based Administrator (McCAP), which prepared participants to assume roles as Vocational Directors in vocational schools across the state. Dr. Smith served as a high school principal at Altheimer and Humphrey High Schools, Assistant Superintendent, and later Superintendent for the Altheimer Unified School District. Nearing retirement, he served as Dean of Social Sciences and professor at Arkansas Baptist College in Little Rock, Arkansas.

He was a faithful member of Mason Temple C.O.G.I.C., where he served as a Deacon, Trustee Board Member, and Sunday School Superintendent. Dr. Smith was married for fifty years to Mrs. Jo Linda (Wilson) Smith, to this union they have a daughter, Dr. Hazel Smith-Mays (the late Alvin Mays) of Atlanta, GA, Christopher Smith, Sr., (Treddie), Pine Bluff, AR; grandchildren, TSgt Gabril Mays USAF, Honduras, Bethany Mays, ChemE Augusta, GA, Christopher Smith, Jr., Pine Bluff, AR, Christian Smith, Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Xavier Smith, Conway, Arkansas.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father a sister Ammer Jean Williams and a grandchild Jumante Smith.

He is cherished by his wife of 50 years Mrs. Jo Linda (Wilson) Smith his children Dr. Hazel Smith-Mays (the late Alvin Mays) of Atlanta, GA, Christopher Smith, Sr., (Treddie), Pine Bluff, AR; his brothers, Carl Smith (Monette), Eldorado, AR; Rev. Woodrow Parker (Margaret) El Dorado, AR: sisters, Audrey McGhee, North Little Rock, AR, Shirlene Holmes, Eldorado, Arkansas, Sandra Hicks, Eldorado, AR, Linda Smith, Eldorado, AR., grandchildren, TSgt Gabril Mays USAF, Honduras, Bethany Mays, (ChemE), Augusta, GA, Christopher Smith, Jr., Pine Bluff, AR, Christian Smith, Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Xavier Smith, Conway, Arkansas and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.