Douglas M. Smith Cmsgt Usaf (Ret.)

Douglas McArthur Smith CMSgt USAF (Ret.), 71 of Abilene, passed away Monday, December 16, 2013 at Hendrick Medical Center. A service is scheduled for 1:30 pm Thursday, December 19, 2013 at the Piersall Benton Chapel, 733 Butternut St. with a graveside service to follow in the Texas State Veterans Cemetery at 3:00 pm with full military honors. A visitation will be held on Wednesday evening from 5-7pm at the funeral home.

Douglas Smith was born in Charlottesville, Virginia on January 29, 1942 to Joseph Oliver Smith and Margaret Safely Smith. He attended school in Glen Burnie, Maryland and graduated from high school there. After graduation he entered the Air Force. While stationed in North Carolina he met the love of his life Revonda and from the moment he saw her he knew he would marry her. They married on November 26, 1961.

During his time in the service Doug earned many commendations including the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with Four Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, National Defense Service Medal, Overseas Long Tour Ribbon with One Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster just to name a few. After retiring as a Chief Master Sgt Flight Engineer Manager he went to work for Lockheed Martin in their flight simulator as an instructor for over 20 years.

Surviving Doug is his wife Revonda, son, Mike Smith and wife Christie, a daughter, Theresa Elrod and husband Bobby, three brothers; Milton Smith and George Smith both of Scottsville, VA and Robert Smith of Richmond, VA, six grandchildren; Jeremy Sanchez, Aaron Smith, Casie Smith, Austin Sanchez, Cole Elrod and Tyler Elrod as well as many nieces, nephews and other extended family members and close friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Theresa Robinson and a brother, Joe Smith.

The family would like to thank the nurses and respiratory therapists on the 5th floor of Hendrick Medical Center for their wonderful care of Doug. Condolences may be offered to the family online at www.pbfuneraldirectors.com.