It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Van Houston “Hit Man” Smith, age 65, who passed away on Saturday, August 29, 2026, following a tragic motorcycle accident.
Services honoring Van’s life will be held on Friday, September 4, 2026, at 3 PM in the Heritage Chapel of Ripley Funeral Home. Visitation will be held Friday from 11 AM until the time of service in the Heritage Chapel. Burial will follow in Ripley City Cemetery.
Born June 6, 1961, in Osceola, Arkansas, Van was the son of the late John William Smith Sr. and Lillie Bell Lewis Smith. He received his education in Aurora, Illinois, and was a Christian. Van was a retired, self-employed truck driver who loved the freedom of the open road and had a passion for traveling and seeing the world.
There was simply no one quite like Van. He was bigger than life and lived life on his own terms. Straightforward and never one to hold back what was on his mind, Van always told it like it was. He had a wonderful sense of humor, and if you knew him, you knew you never quite knew what he was going to say next. His personality could fill a room, and his presence was something you simply could not overlook.
But behind that larger-than-life personality was a man with one of the biggest hearts you could ever find. Van was a giver. He gave to anyone and everyone, and he did so willingly and without expecting anything in return. If someone needed a helping hand, Van was often the one who was there. He had a way of making people feel like they mattered, and his generosity touched far more lives than he probably ever realized.
Van was fiercely independent and proudly his own man. He followed his own path and never tried to be anyone other than himself. He loved the open road, loved to travel, and especially loved riding his motorcycles. His motorcycles were more than just a hobby—they were a part of the life he loved and the freedom he cherished. His beloved Steel Cowboys Motorcycle Club family held a special place in his heart, as did the many friendships he made throughout his life.
Most of all, Van loved his family. They were precious to him, and he treasured the time he spent with those he loved. He also held a special place in his heart for his nieces, nephews, extended family, and the many friends who became family along the way.
Van leaves behind memories that will bring both laughter and tears. Those who knew him will remember his unmistakable personality, his stories, his humor, his willingness to help others, and, most of all, his big heart. He was the kind of person who left an impression, and he will not soon be forgotten.
Those left to cherish his memory include his two daughters, Micki Smith (Bobby Cagle) of Blue Mountain and Summer Smith; four grandchildren, Ryan Riles, Kerrieann, Shelby, and Bella Cagle; his nieces and nephews, Lindsey Moore and Timothy, Stephen, and Adalynn Hambrick; his beloved Steele Cowboys Charity Riders; and his many special friends in Aurora, Illinois, Nashville, Tennessee, and throughout the communities he called home.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John William Smith Sr. and Lillie Bell Lewis Smith; three brothers, John William Smith Jr., David Allen “Hippie” Smith, and Larry Pannell; one sister, Brenda Joyce Hambrick; one grandson, Aiden Smith; two sisters-in-law, Shelia Smith and Judy Kay Wilbanks; one brother-in-law, Stephen Hambrick; and one nephew, Daric Smith.
Though Van’s life was taken far too soon, the memories he leaves behind will live on in the hearts of those who loved him. His laughter, his stories, his generosity, his love for his family, and his unmistakable “Hit Man” spirit will be remembered for years to come.
He lived life his way, loved deeply, gave freely, and left his mark on the people fortunate enough to know him. He will be deeply missed.
Ripley Funeral Home invites you to share memories and condolences with the Smith family.
