Wendall Smith

Wendall Ray Smith, 67, of Glencoe, Arkansas passed away October 21, 2023 at his home. He was born February 12, 1956 in Jonesboro, Arkansas to Kenneth and Barbara Blevins Smith, both who preceded him in death. Survivors include his wife, Tena Burton Smith; his children: Shane Smith (Jessica) and Ashley Bateman (Josh); his beloved grandchildren, Kooper "Thumper" and Raya Bateman and Kylee Smith; his sisters, Karli Saracini (Trent) and Myra Graham (Mike); his brother, Pharis Smith (Lori); numerous nieces and nephews: Michael Joe Graham, Amy Tolbert, Trey Suskie, Cade Niswonger, Braylee "Braylo" Smith, Michael Burton, Michelle Daggett, Ryan Burton, Tamara Wilson, Kyle Burton, Megan "Louise" Seat, Kaleb Burton, and Maddie "Madeye" Burton; many grand- and great- nieces and nephews; along with a multitude of friends. In his 38 years of work at two Arkansas schools, Cave City and Salem, Wendall coached basketball, baseball, football, tennis, golf, archery, shooting sports, and girls softball. He was friend and "father" to his players. It was always about more than sports. He was selected for the Cave City Hall of Fame and recognized as an NEA Tournament Honoree. Visitation of family and friends will be Tuesday, October 24 from 5 to 7 p.m. in the chapel of Tri-County Funeral Home at Highland, Arkansas. The funeral service will be Wednesday, October 25 at 11 a.m. in the Church of Christ at Salem, Arkansas with Mike Yates and Johnny Carter officiating. Burial will follow in Baker Community Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Cotton Davis, Donny Dawson, Curt Davis, Mark Childers, Josh Nelson, and Kevin Pendergrass. Honorary Pallbearers will include all fellow coaches and former players. In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to the Salem Athletic Department, 313 Hwy. 62 East, Salem, AR 72576 to help current and future Greyhounds.