Extracted from The Abilene Reporter News (Abilene, TX)
Willard “Smitty” Smith
Willard “Smitty” Smith, after a long, wonderful life, passed away at the age of 84 on Tuesday, February 28, 2006, at an Abilene medical center.
Born in Zavala, Texas, on June 11, 1921, Willard was the son of Ida Duna (Turpin) and Jesse Howard Dillon. He attended San Antonio High School, after which he served for twelve years in the U. S. Army. Mr. Smith retired after a 20-year career with civil service at Kelly AFB in San Antonio. In 1990, he moved from San Antonio to Abilene.
Willard was a Protestant. He loved traveling the world. He also enjoyed painting, and was a member of a local art group.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, a brother and a stepson.
Survivors include a son, Michael Dean Smith and wife, Renee, of Abilene; three grandsons, Michael, Joshua and Chance; and five great-grandchildren.
No services are scheduled. Burial will be in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, directed by Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 542 Hickory.
Memorials may be made to American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 41, Abilene, TX 79604.
Wednesday, March 1, 2006