Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Eugene Abbott Smith, 93, widower of Joyce Marie Huffines Smith, died on Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2021, at the home of his daughter and son-in-law, where he lived for the past six years.
Born in Madison, Tennessee, he was a son of the late James Arthur Smith and Esther Belle Abbott Smith. Col. Smith flew more than 200 combat missions, including five assignments to Southeast Asia where he flew B-47's and EB-66's. His decorations include 19 air medals and the Distinguished Flying Cross. He served in World War II, Korea and Vietnam. After retirement, he was a former teacher at St. Leo University and Sumter Area Tech and was also a former director of personnel at Tuomey Healthcare System.
Surviving are one daughter, Pamela Sue Talbott (Clayton); three sons, Roger Curtis Smith (Nancy), Eric Eugene Smith (Christina) and Steven Lewis Smith (Rachel); one sister, Joyce Hudgens; 13 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by a daughter, Cathy Gene Smith; four brothers, James Elmo "J.E.", Russell, Wesley and Hannum; and one sister, (Betty Ruth).
He will be missed by so many. As one of his grandchildren wrote, "My granddaddy was a father, war hero, comedian, child of God, leader and a friend. He wore many hats in his lifetime. He influenced many people and now he leaves many behind. I love you granddaddy and I miss you." We all will.
Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday at Evergreen Memorial Park cemetery with full military honors.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday at the home, 2811 Widgeon Way.
Memorials may be made to Healthy Living Senior Care & Services, 244 Church St., Suite A, Sumter SC 29150.
Online condolences may be made at www.sumterfunerals.com.
Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home & Crematory, 221 Broad St., Sumter, is in charge of the arrangements, (803) 775-9386.
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