- Date Of Birth: April 3, 1921
- Date Of Death: November 29, 2006
- State: Florida
CMSgt William Z. Smith, Jr., USAF, Ret., passed away on November 29, 2006, in Fort Walton Beach, Florida.
Chief Smith was born in Indianapolis, IN, to William Z. and Roxie L. Smith on July 3, 1921. He entered in the Army Air Corps on the day the Japanese task force sailed for Pearl Harbor, November 26, 1941, and served for over 30 years, retiring at Eglin Air Force Base on June 1, 1972. He served the Army Occupation in Japan and Vietnam, and had a tour in Hawaii, accompanied by his wife. He and his wife established residence in Shalimar in 1965.
Chief Smith was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 43 years, Bonnie M. Smith, in June, 1994, and he lost his parents; younger sister, Suzanne Chezem; and his younger brother, David L. Smith, several years earlier. He is also preceded in death by his sisters, Margaret Joan Battle in 2002, and Mary “Betty” Wilson in 2005. Chief Smith is survived by many nieces and nephews; and dear friends, Jo Liles, Michael Liles, and Jesse and Betty Holmes.
