William F. Smith

William F. Smith, age 93, died Wednesday, January 2, 2013.  Mr. Smith was born in Coal Valley, Walker County, AL on October 2, 1919 to John Moody Smith and Alma Green Smith. Mr. Smith served in the United States Army for twenty-one years (1941-1962), retiring with the rank of Specialist First Class E-7.  He served in New Guinea, Island of Morti, Phillippines, Korea, Okinawa and Germany.  While servivng in Korea in 1950, he was awarded the Combat Infantryman's Badge, and Bronze Star with valor.  In Germany he was awarded the 28th United States Army Artillery Group Certificate of Achievement for outstanding performance of duty as Hercules Fire Control Platoon Sergeant during the period March 14, 1960 to October 27, 1960.  After retiring from the United States Army, he worked in the oil fields in Oklahoma until he moved to Trion, Georgia in 1986. Bill married Mamie B. Airington on July 5, 1947.  Mamie died in January 1980 after an extended illness.  Bill married Madge Lee Howell on July 18, 1986. He is survived by his wife of 21 years, Madge Howell Smith; his daughter, Susan Sturdivant of Ratcliff City, Oklahoma; 3 grandchildren, Kelly (Butch) Scifres of Ringling, Oklahoma, Gilbert Sturdivant and Keri (Clifford) Self of Alma, Oklahoma; and 4 great grandchildren. Survivors also include brother, Franklin D. Smith of Llano, Texas; and sister, Betty Sue Brusenhan of Andrew, Texas. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Mamie B. Smith; son, James William Smith; son-in-law, Bill Sturdivant; parents, John Moody Smith and Alma Green Smith; 3 brothers, Lester, John, and Bobby Ray; and 2 sisters, Lounell and Doris Jean. Graveside service will be at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 5, 2013 at West Hill Cemetery, Trion, Georgia, with Rev. Robert Patterson officiating.  The family will receive friends at Erwin-Petitt Funeral Home one hour prior to the service.