Ode Smith Jr. affectionately known as “Babe Ruth” entered this life on October 27, 1926, in Washington, Arkansas. He was the eldest child of Ode Smith Sr. and Cassie Stuart Smith. He attended school in Washington, and after graduation moved to Kansas City, Kansas, to work. He attended the University of Kansas, Arkansas AM&N, and received a bachelor’s degree from Jackson State University in Jackson, Mississippi. Ode enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the Korean War. He received an honorable discharge.
His career was with Safeway stores in Little Rock and Hope, Arkansas. After his retirement from Safeway and relocation back to his home in Washington, he started the work he dreamed of doing as a kid, becoming a farmer and raising cattle. He served on the board of the Hempstead County Farm Bureau and was the first African American Fire Chief for the Washington Volunteer Fire Department. He served as a director on the Southwest Arkansas Telephone Corporation Board and remained a board member until his passing.
Ode was a member of the First Baptist Church of Washington since his early years. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ode and Cassie, his sister, Bobbie Lee Babbs, his wife of sixty years Mildred Johnson Smith, one daughter Cynthia Winston and one son Fred Fullard.
He left a full and rich legacy of love, honesty, hard work and commitment to family and friends. He leaves behind one very proud and grateful daughter, Dr. Barbara Smith, two grandsons, Dylan Winston “Bubba”, and Kiambu Smith “Kim”, one nephew, Junious Babbs, (Floretta) one niece, Jade Bolton, five great grandchildren, Kaison Smith, D. J. Winston, Robyn Winston, Cynthia Winston, and seven great-great grandchildren. Though not by birth but rather by adoption as a father in his heart, his care, provision, dedication and commitment to Cynthia, Fred, Dylan, and Kiambu as their dad, he will always be cherished, commended, appreciated, and remembered. Also, by heart adoption as his Goddaughter is Cassandra Wilson Turney “Mrs. K”. Two close and special friends are Ben Carrigan and Keith Sims who have been close to him even through his last days.
Memory keepers comprised of family, extended family and friends:
Woodrow Stuart, George Smith, Dorothy Hindman, Gwen Fort, Michael Faucette, Ira Thomas, Reverend Willie and Ruth Collins, Cheryl Crutcher, and also with gratitude to the Southwest Arkansas Telephone Corporation Board for their continued gracious support, the Washington Volunteer Fire Department, Historic Washington State Park, and a special thank you for those who cared for him in his last days at The Cottages of Texarkana
As we celebrate the beautiful life and legacy of Ode Smith Jr. his life will be remembered with love forever in our heart and forever in our memories.
Events
Graveside
Friday, October 30, 2026
11:00AM
Washington Cemetery
Highway 278
Washington, AR 71862
Final Resting Place
Washington Cemetery
Highway 278