Peyton J. Smith

Mr. Smith was born May 22, 1932 to the late William K. Smith and Viola Dyer Smith. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his son, Joseph Phillip Smith, a grandson, Blake Reynolds, four brothers, William K. Smith, Jr., Leisle M. Smith, Raymond C. Smith, and Clovis S. Smith, and a sister, Dorothy Marlowe . Mr. Smith proudly served his country in the United States Army, he was a veteran of the Korean conflict and served two tours of duty in Vietnam. During his military career he served as a Green Beret, Special Forces, and Airborne. He was in the first Special Forces units to be commissioned by President Kennedy to wear the Green Beret. He was the recipient of two Bronze Stars, two CIB, Pathfinder Wings, Jump Master Wings, and many other awards, and Campaign Ribbons. He served in the U.S. Army for 26 years and retired as Master Sergeant . After retiring from the Army, Mr. Smith served as a Deputy Sheriff with the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Department for 8 years, he opened his own business PJ Plumbing, he worked as a welder, he enjoyed golfing, scuba diving, bicycling, and running. He was a member of Piney Grove Baptist Church where he was a member of the Milestone Sunday School Class.

Survivors include his wife, Evelyn Smith, children; Patricia Kay Daniels, Michael (Sherrill) Douglas Smith, Judith (Dean) Gemberling, Marcia (Hank) Smith, Debra Reynolds, and Ronald (Lana) K. Reynolds; daughter-in-law, Lisa Smith, grandchildren; Lisa Davison, Josh Daniels, Sr., Amanda Daniels, Mechele Vessell, John Peyton Feathers, Bradley Smith, Carly Smith, Gracie Brooks, and Kyle Klamer, great-grandchildren; Michael, Priscila, Brian, Brandon, Josh, Jr., Ashley, Taylor, Emily, Kaitlynn, and Dylan. Also survived by his beloved pet Princess.

Visitation will be Tuesday, October 11, 2016 at 10:00 am, in Edgewood Hall of Striffler-Hamby 4071 Macon Road Columbus, GA.

A celebration of his life will follow on Tuesday, October 11, 2016 at 11:00 am, in Edgewood Hall. Interment will follow in Parkhill Cemetery with full Military Honors.

Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be made to: The National Infantry Museum, Piney Grove Baptist Church, or Columbus Hospice, in Memory of Peyton J. Smith.

Online condolences may be offered at www.shcolumbus.com