Edsel Ralph Smith

Edsel "Ralph" Smith, born February 03, 1925, to the late Ernest and Helen Smith in Foreman Arkansas. Ralph, known to most family and friends as “Pappaw” died November 18, 2023, in his home peacefully with his family surrounding him. He is also preceded in death by his beloved wife of 74 years, Wanda J. (Price) Smith; brothers, Ernie and Maynard Smith; and his only sister Hazel (Smith) Harvey.

Ralph was married in February 1949 to Wanda J. (Price) Smith and remained married to his soulmate until her death in September 2023. Their love for each other was enduring and together they made 74 years of many happy memories. They enjoyed fishing together, traveling, and spending time with their family and grandchildren. They were both dedicated members of Geyer Springs First Baptist Church for over 30 years and built many wonderful life long relationships.

He went on to join the Marines the day he turned 18, he always took pride in being a Veteran of WWII and the Korean War. He was a soldier in one of the coldest battles, the Chosin Reservoir, where he was shot and received the Purple Heart Medal. Ralph was involved in every event that allowed him to tell his war stories and support fellow veterans. He was awarded the Ambassador for Peace Medal by the Republic of Korea and throughout the years had many Korean friends that cared about him and Wanda. He made sure that not only did he have an American flag hung outside daily but also a Korean flag. After serving in the Marines, Ralph went to engineering school, he began his career in the radio and television industry. He helped to build KARK channel 4 and get them live and on the air. After leaving KARK he went on to work 20 years at KATV channel 7, before returning back to KARK for an additional two years. Ralph then retired in 1983 where he became a avid fisherman and hunter.

Ralph is survived by his two children, Linda Gail Mangiapane married to Stephen (MO), David Wayne Smith married to Marcia Ann (deceased) (AR); five grandchildren; 12 great- grandchildren. Brandi L. Smith (Bryant), 2 children, Taylor & Tanner; Brian C. Smith (Alexander), 3 children, Jacey, Kaylee, & Brayden; Jared A. Smith (Haskell), 3 children, Mikayla (deceased) Kylah, & Madison, Joesph P. Mangiapane (MO), 3 children, Ashley, Corina, & Noah; Joshua G. Mangiapane (MO), 1 child, Anthony. He will be loved and missed but always remembered by so many family and friends.

In lieu of flowers the family ask donations be made to The let Freedom Ring Quilters at www.qovf.org membership # 83653

A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, December 4, 2023 at 11:00a.m. with Military Honors at Pinecrest Funeral Home 7401 Hwy 5 North Alexander, AR 72002. Visitation will one hour prior to the service.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.pinecrestfh.com for the Smith family.