Mrs. Patricia Lee Smith

Patricia Lee Smith, 78, of Blytheville, Arkansas, passed away on Monday, August 3, 2026, at Regional One Health in Memphis, Tennessee. Born July 6, 1948, in Blytheville, Patricia was the daughter of James Thomas and Margarte (Thaxton) O’Steen. As a young girl, Patricia moved with her family to England and spent much of her youth and teenage years as part of a military family, moving from place to place as military assignments changed. It was during those years that Patricia would eventually meet the love of her life and her very best friend, Gary Smith. Gary was serving in the United States Air Force and stationed at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base when the two met and fell in love. About a year later, on May 10, 1964, they were married, beginning a life together that would span more than six decades. After high school, Patricia attended cosmetology school and became a hairdresser. She and Gary eventually made their home in Kentucky, where they remained until retiring in 2004. Ready for their next adventure and wanting to be closer to their son and daughter-in-law, they loaded up their camper and headed back to Blytheville. For many years, that camper was home, and when winter arrived, Patricia and Gary would head south to Florida. Patricia truly loved the outdoors. Hunting, fishing, camping, and archery were not simply hobbies to her—they were a way of life she and Gary shared. Camping at Blanchard Springs and bow hunting in the Ozark Mountains became a treasured yearly tradition. They traveled to archery tournaments and participated in countless 3-D shoots, where Patricia was right at home with a compound bow in her hands. Their adventures even took them out west for seven consecutive years to hunt prairie dogs. Fishing held a special place in Patricia’s heart as well, with some of her favorite trips taking her to Kentucky Lake, Lake Okeechobee in Florida, and Lake Fork in Texas. Whether she was holding a fishing pole, drawing back her bow, sitting around a campsite, or simply enjoying the outdoors, Patricia was happiest surrounded by the simple life she and Gary had created together. Patricia had an equally tender heart for animals, and somehow, the strays always seemed to know exactly where to find her. Among those feeling her absence most deeply is her beloved 17-year-old cat, Molly. Even now, when Molly hears someone at the door, she runs to see who it is, still looking and waiting for her mama to come home—a quiet and touching reminder of just how deeply Patricia was loved. Patricia was preceded in death by her parents, James Thomas O’Steen and Margarte (Thaxton) Nicholson; and one sister, Kathy O’Steen. She leaves behind her best friend and husband of 62 years, Gary Smith of Blytheville, Arkansas; her son, Thomas Smith and wife Lee of Blytheville, Arkansas; her sister, Tomi O’Steen of Longview, Texas; special nieces and nephew, Terry, Lilly, and JT; her beloved cat, Molly; along with many other nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who will miss her dearly. A private family memorial will be held at a later date. Expressions of sympathy may be sent directly to the family. Tri-City Crematory Funeral Home is honored and privileged to serve the Smith family. Online condolences may be left at www.tri-cityllc.com.

Mrs. Patricia Lee Smith

July 6, 1948 - August 3, 2026