Henry Joseph Udouj Jr.

Dr. Henry Joseph Udouj, Jr., 72, of Fort Smith, passed into the loving arms of God September 18, 2017 in Fort Smith. He was born October 3, 1944, in Pawtucket, R.I. to Henry Joseph, Sr. and Ida Genevieve Kinzle Udouj. He was co-owner of Udouj Orthodontics, a Veteran of the U.S. Army, a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, the Fort Smith Dental Association, the American Association of Orthodontists, and the Southwest Orthodontic Association. He was a member of Phi Delta Theta at the University of Arkansas, Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dental National Honor Society, and Delta Sigma Delta at St. Louis University. Dr. Udouj received many awards over his lifetime for his charity and goodwill including the Spirit of the Frontier Award, the Governor’s Arts Patrons Award, the Barbara Broyles Alzheimer’s Award, and the Ronald McDonald Charities Lily Award.

He is survived by his wife, Linda Udouj of Fort Smith; one daughter, Heidi Udouj Falconer and husband Bill of Birmingham, AL; one son, Dr. Henry J. Udouj, III “Nubbin” and wife Melissa of Fort Smith; two sisters, Celeste and husband Stefan Brokas of Keystone Heights, FL and Jennifer and husband Pat Gavigan of Oviedo, FL; three brothers, Gary Sr. and wife Julie Udouj, of Fort Smith, Reginald Sr. and wife Jenny Udouj, of Memphis, TN, and Chris Sr. and wife Mary Udouj, of Chicago, IL; and four grandchildren, Isabella Udouj and Joseph Udouj both of Fort Smith, and Liam Falconer and Molly James Falconer, both of Birmingham, AL

Dad,

Not very many sons can say they had their father as a mentor, a friend and a work partner. What an honor it was for me to work with such a brilliant orthodontist. You were so loved by your patients and respected by your peers. Your love for Mom, your children and your precious grandchildren were unsurpassed. It can truly be said that you never wasted a minute of daylight and made the most of the time you were given. It seemed so fitting that you passed away at three in the morning, about the same time you awoke every day to get ready for work and to run your errands. As I rushed to the hospital it occurred to me that you chose that time to meet the Lord so that I could see the peace and beauty of the the day before the city awoke. You're right Dad, it is the best time to shop at Walmart! I love you, Nubbin

Dad,

It is obvious to all who know our family that you gave us a beautiful life. Only as an adult did I truly realize what a special, rare gift I received in your love and devotion. As early as I can remember, you were there with your camera whether I was dancing, cheering, or just hanging with friends. You never missed an opportunity to catch my moments on film. You were my own paparazzi! I will always be your "Poo Bear." Your zest for life was felt by all those around you but especially your grandchildren. They loved their G-Pa fiercely. Even after being diagnosed with cancer, you were the best playmate around. I am comforted knowing you are now pain free in God's glorious kingdom catching fish and taking beautiful photography. All my love, Heidi

My love,

The most difficult thing I have ever done is saying goodbye to you, the love of my life. The compassionate nurses in ICU said they had never witnessed such a steady stream of visitors as blessed us with their love and admiration for you. Of course I thought I was aware of those you quietly helped, but I have discovered I didn’t know the half of it. I will miss your humor, your energy, your patience, and your warm hand I held as we prayed. I know you are out of pain and enjoying the glorious warmth of God’s love now. Only because of that am I able to let you go “work the room in heaven!”

Your loving wife, Linda

Rosary will be Thursday, September 21, 2017 at 6:00 PM in the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel and Mass will be Friday, September 22, 2017 at 10:00 AM in the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Services and cremation are under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.

Honorary pallbearers will be the Lake Ouachita Wilderness Club, the Men of Faith from Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Rick Haggard, Ron Dee Wright, Dr. David Harper, Dr. Daniel Mackey, Bebo Slates, Bill Cooper, Dick Udouj, John Scholtens, Roy Lloyd, Butch Edwards, Dr. Ray Burd, and the Fort Smith Dental Association.

The family will greet friends at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel on Thursday from 5:00 PM until Rosary.

Memorials may be sent to the Ronald McDonald Family Room of Fort Smith, PO Box 10053 Fort Smith, AR 72917, Fort Smith Public School Foundation, 3205 Jenny Lind Road, Fort Smith, AR 72901, Immaculate Conception Church and school, 22 North 13th St, Fort Smith, AR 72901, and Trinity Jr. High School, 1205 South Albert Pike Avenue, Fort Smith, AR 72903.

To sign an online guestbook visit www.edwardsfuneralhome.com