Richard Matt Smelley

Richard Matt Smelley was born on June 24, 1968, and passed away on August 1, 2025, surrounded by those who loved him. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Carroway Funeral Home.

Matt lived a life full of adventure. Though his travels took him all over the world, he spent his final years close to home, surrounded by family and doing all his favorite things. He loved hunting, fishing, cutting firewood, or simply being out in the woods or on the river. He found joy in building big fires to keep the whole party warm, pulling up trotlines with his brother-in-law and sister, and lovingly torturing his family with endless George Jones songs. He often shared stories filled with cherished memories - of his children when they were young, his time in the Navy, and countless wild adventures hunting with friends over the years.

Matt was known for his unforgettable one-liners that always kept everyone on their toes. When the food was good, he’d say, “Gosh dang, that’s good”. If someone had one too many drinks, he’d call them “knee-walking, hog-faced sloppy”. And when George Jones came on, he’d stand tall, proud, and salute the radio. Matt was also a gifted cook. If he was in the kitchen - or at the fryer - you knew you were in for something special. He was the best fish fryer to ever grace the river bottom.

He loved encouraging his nieces and nephews to get out in the woods and hunt. Many times, he’d promise to clean whatever they brought back. And if it was his niece who made the kill, he might charge a little extra - usually in the form of a banana pudding. For splitting and stacking her firewood, that charge went up to two.

They say - whoever “they” is - that life’s memories are precious treasures that enrich our lives and connect us to the past, present, and future. Matt’s family and friends will carry on his legacy through the stories, laughter, and memories he leaves behind.

Survivors include his son and daughter-in-law, Garrett and Jessica Smelley of Rudy, Arkansas; daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer and Ethan Norman of Huntsville, Arkansas; son, Aaron Smelley of Huntsville, Arkansas; several grandchildren; mother and stepfather, Sandra (Blackburn) and Charles Bledsoe of Marshall; sister and brother-in-law, Shane and SueAnn Squyres of Lufkin; niece, Taylor Johnson and husband Kade of Lufkin; nephew, Cooper Squyres of Lufkin; stepbrothers, Shane Self, Shea Self, and Ryan Self; stepsister, Tisha Self; and nephews, Trevor Self, Cade Self, and Austin Self.

He was preceded in death by his father, Richard Smelley in 2009; grandparents, Ghent Smelley, Doris Lamb, and John and Inez Blackburn; and George Jones “The Possum”.

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.