Reverend Arthur Smalls, Sr.

    On Monday, November 24, 2025 Reverend Arthur C. Smalls Sr. heard the call of the one who sustained him and gave him strength of heart saying come home my child, and he transitioned into peaceful eternal rest. He was preceded in death by his wife, Zezalee Johnson Smalls, two children; Kenneth Smalls Sr. and Eleanor Mack, and his sister, Eleanor Thompson.
    On July 12, 1934 in a small house on Tom Fripp Plantation on St. Helena Island a new life was brought into the world. For the most part, he was nurtured and cared for by his grandmother, Florence Riley. Who knew that this baby boy would one day become known to the world as Reverend Arthur C. Smalls Sr. 
    Reverend Smalls lived his formative years not having a close personal relationship with his father, but has always praised his father-in-law, Ben “Candy” Johnson, with being the earthly male figure who has most influenced his life. He believed that because of the loving example shown to him by his father-in-law, the characteristics and traits needed to be a godly man in this world were embedded in him. His father-in-law taught him how to care, love, share and take responsibility for himself as well as those entrusted to his care.
    Reverend Smalls graduated from St. Helena High School in 1954, attended Lincoln Technical Institute in Newark, N.J., for air conditioning and refrigeration, and graduated from Victory Bible College of S.C. and Morris College School of Religion.
Reverend Smalls lived his life hoping that others would gain the knowledge that they must rely on God through all things, in all things, and for all things in their lives. His favorite scripture was Isaiah 40:31 “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”
    He leaves behind to continue living out his legacy: son, Arthur C. Smalls Jr. (Ruth) of Shreveport, LA; daughter, Marcie Small (Rodney) of St. Helena Island, SC; daughter-in-law, Sundra Smalls of Bossier City, LA; son-in-law, Henry Mack of Atlanta, GA; brothers-in-law Ben C. Johnson (Ruthie), James Peter Smalls Sr. (Fran), Haram White of St. Helena Island, SC, Alfonso Thompson of Tampa, FL, Anthony Williams of Grays Hill, SC and Bernard Sweatman of SC; sister-in-law, Lisa Lai-Fang (Clayton) of St. Helena Island, SC; seven grandchildren, forty great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

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