David Norris Smith, (CW4, Ret) a resident of Ozark, died Sunday, March 5, 2017, at SAMC in Dothan. He was 81.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be said at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, March 9, 2017 at St. John's Catholic Church with Father Fred Boni officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow in Woodlawn Memory Gardens with Fuqua-Bankston Funeral Home directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 5-7 on Wednesday.
Mr. Smith was born November 22, 1935 in Opelousas, Louisiana and lived the early years of his life there. He was a graduate of Woodstock Boarding School in Mussoorie, India. He later attended LSU where he met and married the love of his life, Elouise Kellogg.
In 1961, he entered the U.S. Army where he served 3 tours in Vietnam, 4 tours in Germany, and 1 tour in Spain. During his military career he served at Ft. Sill, OK; Ft. Bliss, TX; Ft. Gordon, GA; Ft. Bragg, NC; and Ft. Rucker, AL; retiring after 27 years of service and specializing in avionics. He completed his education at Troy State University where he received his education specialist degree. Later he worked with the Wiregrass Rehabilitation Center in Dothan as a student counselor and was also a realtor at Reyes Realty in Ozark for several years.
Upon his retirement, he and his wife traveled extensively, visiting all 50 states and all 7 continents, as well as many European countries including, Germany, France, Italy, Switzerland, Belgium, Austria, The Netherlands, England, Russia, Luxembourg, Greece and Turkey.
Mr. Smith loved LSU football 'Geaux Tigers'! He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, cooking, snow skiing, waterskiing, camping and playing Santa.
Mr. Smith was a faithful member of St. John's Catholic Church where he was honored to serve as a Eucharistic Minister and Lector.
He is predeceased by his parents, Allen Key and Isabel Bull Smith and a granddaughter, Caitlin Rose.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Elouise K. Smith of Ozark; 6 children, David Smith Jr. (Ann) of Breaux Bridge, LA, Victoria Shaffer of Ozark, Michael Smith (Cindy) of Ozark, Steven Smith (Jennifer) of Montgomery, Theresa White of Troy, Julie LeMonte (David) of Ozark; 14 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; 1 brother, Allen Key Smith III; 2 sisters, Anita Beryl Sawyer (Jim), Marion Ruth Van Brunt; several nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Fuqua-Bankston Funeral Home.
4 Entries
March 8, 2017
Cindi Wetzel
My deepest condolences to the family.
March 7, 2017
Clara Watters
March 7, 2017
Clara Watters
So very sorry to hear of the loss of this fine gentleman........He was a great person and will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
March 7, 2017
May God's loving kindness and comfort help you and your family through this very sad time Psalms 29:11
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