Hubert Lee Smith

Hubert L. Smith, 81, passed away Sunday, September 3, 2023, peacefully at his home in Maumelle, Arkansas. He was born February 6, 1942, in Brinkley, Arkansas to Margaret & Hubert S. Smith.  Hubert was preceded in death by his father, mother, and brother, Glen Smith.  Hubert graduated from Lonoke High School in 1959.  He and his wife, Mary Ann Wooten Smith, have been married for 56 years and have 2 sons, Hubert Lee Smith, Jr., and Timothy Adams Smith.  The couple have 3 grandchildren, Julianna Smith, Adams Smith, and Aspen Smith.  Hubert was a retired photographer.  At the end of his career, he could not handle the tough job of photography but found great joy in collecting antique cameras. His interest in photography started back in high school.  It stated as a hobby that developed into a life-long profession which included; being on the staff of United Press International in Austin, Texas, The Arkansas Democrat, Arkansas Publicity and Parks Commission and the last 20 years before retirement at the State Capitol with the Secretary of States’ Office. 

After graduation he took a job at the Little Rock studio and began his education in the world of cameras and darkroom work.  After only one year he started to work with influential people who wanted and used his work extensively in their professions.  His photographs would soon be seen throughout Arkansas, the nation and even worldwide.  The area of the news media was the first source of exposure for his work. He had photographs in Life Magazine, Newsweek and Sports Illustrated, just to name a few.  The one he prized the most was the front of the New York Times.

Mr. Smith was photographer for Winthrop Rockefeller for several years.  He traveled with him, and Hubert’s job was to photograph Mr. Rockefeller's historical journey. His favorite portrait Hubert did of him was the one Mr. Rockefeller chose for the cover of Time Magazine.

 In the middle of these exciting years, he had the honor to photograph 9 of America’s presidents.  An exceptional experience for Mr. Smith was that he had the opportunity to go to the White House and give President Gerald Ford his published books.  Hubert had 2 books published and was a part of several other books.

His pictorial book, “A World of Beauty-Arkansas”, was a good example of his talent.  He loved Arkansas.  Over the years, he read and watched news coverage, if there was a negative spin on anything from Central High School to politics, that writer received a certified registered letter from Hubert Smith.  He was quick to correct the negative author.  They may not have accepted his correction, but he always gave them fuel to think about. 

His age and time gave him a front seat to history.   He had no interest in leaving Arkansas, despite the much better positions.  Some were from senators for Washington D. C. jobs. 

His national photographic honors were not few.  For 1965, he had the “Best Sports” picture of the year.  It appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated. He also won awards from the National Press Photographers, Arkansas Art Center (his photos were the first photographs ever to hang in the Art Center), The Arkansas State Festival of Arts, Professional Photo Associates (he held all state offices), Southwest Professional Photographers and the Professional Photographers of America. 

Since his retirement in 2001, he has collected vintage cameras.  He has done this for 15 years until his heart health said no more.  He had at the time a world of knowledge on the subject.  He has received calls weekly from all over Arkansas and from other parts of the country for his input into the worth of many cameras. He has a handsome, personnel collection of valuable vintage cameras that he cherished.

Graveside services will be 10:30 am Friday, September 8, 2023, at Hickory Plains Cemetery.  Arrangements by Boyd Funeral Home, Lonoke.