Colonel Bobbie L. Smith

He is survived by his wife, Mary Lou of Rockledge, FL; son, Bobbie L. Smith, Jr. of Melbourne, FL; daughters, Teresa McReynolds of Cocoa, FL and Rosemary McNaull of Rockledge, FL; grandchildren, Ian D. Smith and Jessie D. Crawford both of Melbourne, FL and Jessica McNaull of Orlando, FL and great grandchildren, Nikia Crawford and Iris Thatcher and brother in laws, Palmer Short of St Augustine, FL and Harry Degginger of Joplin, MO. He is preceded in death by son, Benjamin R. Smith; brother, Billie Ray Smith and sister, Georgia Lou Degginger.

He had many friends in Diamond, MO where he grew up. Ben Love remembers they named a street in his honor and that Bobbie learned to fly airplanes from his friend and neighbor, Wilbur Staib.

After graduating from high school he enlisted in the Army and when the war ended he returned home and attended college. He served proudly in World War II, Korea and Vietnam. When the Air Force started enlisting men for flying school, he signed up and was accepted. He was awarded many medals for outstanding service to his country and bravery during war times.

Colonel Smith and Mary Lou enjoyed many years in the service, they were sent to many countries during his career. In 1955, they were transferred to Spain, working for the Spanish Air Force, and then to Hawaii in 1968. In 1975 after serving 29 years, he retired from the military and accepted a job with the Iranian Air Force for three years. They loved the country but left when the Shaw of Iran had to flee. In 1978, he finally retired again and settled in Satellite Beach, FL, where he owned and operated Action Auto Supply, then moved to Rockledge, FL.

Colonel Smith was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.

Colonel Smith will be buried in Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C. with full military honors. Memorial services will be held at a later date at the Life Event Center at Florida Memorial, Rockledge, FL.