Ginger Gayle Smith recently fulfilled the two greatest longings of her life—to meet Jesus face to face and to see the husband she lost 26 years ago. She is now worshipping her Savior with Bert by her side. Two tone-deaf people are finally able to sing beautifully, together.

Ginger was born on September 30, 1950, and passed away on Sunday, June 14, 2026, in the same Little Rock hospital where she was born. She was the oldest daughter of Hubert and Helen Pruett of Cabot, Arkansas, and was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband of 32 years, Bert; and her older brother, Charles Pruett.

She is survived by her sisters, Marilyn Bonds (James) of Granbury, Texas, and Karen Campbell of Houston, Texas; her three children, Tsinina Burgan (Garland "Smokey") of Cabot, Lin Smith of Beebe, and Alicia Diaz (Jacob) of Jacksonville; eight grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; and a host of family members and friends who loved her, quirks and all.

For 38 years, Ginger drove a school bus for both the Pulaski County and Jacksonville North Pulaski School Districts. She also served for a time as a supervisor in the transportation office. Oh, the stories she could tell! She rarely took a day off because the district was often so short-handed that mechanics had to drive bus routes. Ginger was simply a loyal, dependable, and dedicated employee.

She was just as devoted to her church, Marshall Road Church in Jacksonville, as she was to her bus route. There, she taught preschool for decades, cooked some of the best biscuits and gravy and breakfast casseroles around for Sunday mornings, and once dressed as a giant banana to promote an ice cream social. Ginger never took herself too seriously. Her friends and coworkers thought she was an absolute hoot.

Ginger was also known for her love of the Arkansas Razorbacks—especially football, basketball, and baseball. She enjoyed watching the games, calling the Hogs, and exchanging good-natured jabs with her son-in-law, Smokey, a devoted University of Kentucky fan.

You may have spotted her unmistakable Chevy Malibu around town, wrapped in Razorback decals and sporting bright red rims. Perhaps you heard "Piggy" coming before you saw it, its horn proudly playing the Razorback fight song as it cruised through Jacksonville. Or maybe you crossed paths with her during one of her many storm-chasing adventures. Ginger loved a good storm. Whenever tornadoes threatened, she would casually announce that she needed to "check on" someone—and off she went.

Ginger lived a life full of adventure, laughter, faith, and friendship. She made memories everywhere she went and left an impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

The family invites you to share your favorite "Ginger" memories on Friday, June 19, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Marshall Road Church. A Celebration of Life service will follow at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations of a new pair of shoes for Soles on Souls, helping provide footwear for children and adults in our community.

Please dress casually or wear your favorite Hogs apparel. Wearing your own shoes, however, remains optional.