Willie B. Smith

Seaside—Retired 1st Sergeant Willie B. Smith passed away peacefully on October 19, 2011 at age 78. He was born in Mt. Holly, AR to the late George and Sterlie Smith. He graduated from Lafayette High School in Camden, AR and immediately joined the Army. He served in the Korean War and did tours of duty in Japan and Germany. He did two tours of duty in Vietnam where he received the Bronze Star Medal.

He was an Associate Board Member of the Monterey Bay Blues Festival and also a member of the Retired Men’s Social Club. He was on the Board of the Ft. Ord Alumni Association working closely with CSU Monterey Bay where he was on the Board of Advisors. He actively served on the Scholarship Committee where he made several generous contributions. He received numerous awards and citations of excellence for his 35 years of service to the US Government. He received “The Veteran of the Year Award” in 2008 from the Monterey County 4th District.

He is survived by his loving Wife of 55 years, Dee Dee Smith, his dear niece, Sandra M. Scott, his brother, C.J. Smith and numerous cousins, nieces & nephews.

Viewing will be held at Bayside Community Mortuary, 1610 Noche Buena St. Seaside, Thursday Oct. 27th from 4:00 until 8:00pm. Services will be held at the Ft. Ord Main Chapel, Friday Oct. 28th at 11am. Burial with Military Honors at Mission Memorial Park. Donations can be made to the CSUMB Scholarship Committee in his name.