On Oct. 14, 2025, SMA Inc. made a LinkedIn post announcing Bill Hurt Jr. has passed away.
It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of Bill Hurt, Jr., our founder and Chairman of the Board at SMA.
In 1964, alongside his father Bill Hurt, Sr., Bill founded Southern Marketing Affiliates, now known as “SMA” - a company that would grow over the next six decades into one of North America’s largest distributors of aftermarket agricultural parts.
Bill’s life was a testament to the power of hard work, determination, and a keen eye for opportunity. Under Bill’s leadership and guidance, SMA became a trusted name in the industry, known for its commitment to quality, service, professionalism and fair dealing. His influence continues to shape our company’s values and vision today.
Beyond SMA, Bill launched and led numerous ventures that helped define the economic landscape of Northeast Arkansas. From Stor-All Tool Box and Delta/Apex Tool Group to Sun Industries, a leading manufacturer of tanning beds, Bill’s entrepreneurial spirit was unmatched. He also co-founded local favorites 501 Steakhouse and Omar’s Uptown, enriching Jonesboro’s restaurant scene and providing many quality meals to friends, suppliers, and customers of SMA.
To those who knew him—whether as a colleague, mentor, or friend—Bill was a man of action and heart. He often said, “All I want to do is take care of my family,” and he did just that. His love for his family was evident in everything he did. Bill saw each employee and each customer of SMA as part of His family – an ideal that will carry on in SMA’s continuing mission of “Helping Farmers and Families Grow.”
Bill’s presence at SMA will be dearly missed.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at Emerson Memorial Chapel, in Jonesboro, Arkansas beginning at 10:30 a.m., with visitation at 9:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation, honoring Bill’s love of duck hunting and respect for nature.
Source : Farm Equipment