"Major Lester Sanders Smith passed away unexpectedly on Monday, Sept. 1, 2014, at the age of 81 in Niceville, Fla. He was born Oct. 9, 1932, in Hereford, Texas, to Nonnie A. Smith and Ida H. Gafford.
He is survived by his loving wife, Shirley A. Harrison Smith, whom he married on April 4, 1953. He is also survived by daughters, Virginia (Dennis) Wichlacz, Marsha (Brian) Bayne; 10 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Nonnie G. Smith; daughter, Cindy Bear Eagle; grandsons, Lance Cpl. Travis M. Wichlacz, USMC, IRAQ OIF II, and Lincoln M. Hurt.
Lester graduated from Texas A&M with a BS in Agricultural Education and received his Masters degree from Boston University. He retired from the U.S. Air Force after 21 years of service and three tours overseas. During that time he was stationed at the Pentagon where as an information officer he covered public relations. He covered many presidential meetings with foreign dignitaries. He served in Vietnam and later used his experience to write his thesis on the Vietnam War and communication protocol with the public. After retiring from the Air Force, Lester retired from Florida State University where he taught journalism and photography. He helped students learn photography and journalism skills by writing for the school newspaper and photographing school activities. After retiring from the university he spent his time doing his favorite things; fishing, gardening and woodworking where he made everything from toy boxes, quilt racks, kleenex holders and more for his family. He was a dedicated supporter of veteran's organizations. Lester was known for his love of a big hug. We will all miss his hugs immensely.
A private gathering with full military honors was held by his family at Heritage Gardens Funeral Home in Niceville.
He is survived by his loving wife, Shirley A. Harrison Smith, whom he married on April 4, 1953. He is also survived by daughters, Virginia (Dennis) Wichlacz, Marsha (Brian) Bayne; 10 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Nonnie G. Smith; daughter, Cindy Bear Eagle; grandsons, Lance Cpl. Travis M. Wichlacz, USMC, IRAQ OIF II, and Lincoln M. Hurt.
Lester graduated from Texas A&M with a BS in Agricultural Education and received his Masters degree from Boston University. He retired from the U.S. Air Force after 21 years of service and three tours overseas. During that time he was stationed at the Pentagon where as an information officer he covered public relations. He covered many presidential meetings with foreign dignitaries. He served in Vietnam and later used his experience to write his thesis on the Vietnam War and communication protocol with the public. After retiring from the Air Force, Lester retired from Florida State University where he taught journalism and photography. He helped students learn photography and journalism skills by writing for the school newspaper and photographing school activities. After retiring from the university he spent his time doing his favorite things; fishing, gardening and woodworking where he made everything from toy boxes, quilt racks, kleenex holders and more for his family. He was a dedicated supporter of veteran's organizations. Lester was known for his love of a big hug. We will all miss his hugs immensely.
A private gathering with full military honors was held by his family at Heritage Gardens Funeral Home in Niceville.
"Major Lester Sanders Smith passed away unexpectedly on Monday, Sept. 1, 2014, at the age of 81 in Niceville, Fla. He was born Oct. 9, 1932, in Hereford, Texas, to Nonnie A. Smith and Ida H. Gafford.
He is survived by his loving wife, Shirley A. Harrison Smith, whom he married on April 4, 1953. He is also survived by daughters, Virginia (Dennis) Wichlacz, Marsha (Brian) Bayne; 10 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Nonnie G. Smith; daughter, Cindy Bear Eagle; grandsons, Lance Cpl. Travis M. Wichlacz, USMC, IRAQ OIF II, and Lincoln M. Hurt.
Lester graduated from Texas A&M with a BS in Agricultural Education and received his Masters degree from Boston University. He retired from the U.S. Air Force after 21 years of service and three tours overseas. During that time he was stationed at the Pentagon where as an information officer he covered public relations. He covered many presidential meetings with foreign dignitaries. He served in Vietnam and later used his experience to write his thesis on the Vietnam War and communication protocol with the public. After retiring from the Air Force, Lester retired from Florida State University where he taught journalism and photography. He helped students learn photography and journalism skills by writing for the school newspaper and photographing school activities. After retiring from the university he spent his time doing his favorite things; fishing, gardening and woodworking where he made everything from toy boxes, quilt racks, kleenex holders and more for his family. He was a dedicated supporter of veteran's organizations. Lester was known for his love of a big hug. We will all miss his hugs immensely.
A private gathering with full military honors was held by his family at Heritage Gardens Funeral Home in Niceville.
He is survived by his loving wife, Shirley A. Harrison Smith, whom he married on April 4, 1953. He is also survived by daughters, Virginia (Dennis) Wichlacz, Marsha (Brian) Bayne; 10 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Nonnie G. Smith; daughter, Cindy Bear Eagle; grandsons, Lance Cpl. Travis M. Wichlacz, USMC, IRAQ OIF II, and Lincoln M. Hurt.
Lester graduated from Texas A&M with a BS in Agricultural Education and received his Masters degree from Boston University. He retired from the U.S. Air Force after 21 years of service and three tours overseas. During that time he was stationed at the Pentagon where as an information officer he covered public relations. He covered many presidential meetings with foreign dignitaries. He served in Vietnam and later used his experience to write his thesis on the Vietnam War and communication protocol with the public. After retiring from the Air Force, Lester retired from Florida State University where he taught journalism and photography. He helped students learn photography and journalism skills by writing for the school newspaper and photographing school activities. After retiring from the university he spent his time doing his favorite things; fishing, gardening and woodworking where he made everything from toy boxes, quilt racks, kleenex holders and more for his family. He was a dedicated supporter of veteran's organizations. Lester was known for his love of a big hug. We will all miss his hugs immensely.
A private gathering with full military honors was held by his family at Heritage Gardens Funeral Home in Niceville.
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