Robert "R.J." James Smith, 61, of Gravel Ridge, Arkansas, died Thursday, March 31, 2011 at his home.

R.J. was born May 14, 1949 in Portsmouth, Ohio. He was a Vietnam Veteran and was proud to have served his country as a Marine.

He partied with ZZ Top before they were famous. He loved Judge Judy and Bob Seger, but above all he loved his family.

R. J. was preceded in death by his father, Jesse James Smith and grandfather William Robert Murphy.

Survivors include his mother, Ila Cudd; siblings, Jane Lesner, Mary Smith, Patty Campbell, Barbara Reitz, Lea McCartney, Dea Ann Jordan and Jesse Smith; the love of his life, Mae Sleen; children Tracey Wilson, Kelley Revette, Robert James Smith, Jr., Carl James Smith, Marialice Taylor, Cody Smith Armer; and numerous grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends.

The memorial service is 5:00pm Saturday at First Christian Church in Sherwood. Interment is 10:00am Monday at Arkansas Sate Veterans Cemetery.