Retired USAF Colonel Roger J Smith passed away on April 24, 2021 in Jacksonville Florida. He was 86 years old. Roger started out in the world on January 26, 1935 in Fostoria, Ohio. He was the first son of Ruland Smith, a high school math teacher, and Frances Smith. He grew up in Newark, Ohio where he graduated from high school in 1953. He graduated from The Ohio State University in 1958 with a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. Roger and Marilyn Ann Dickey were married on June 6, 1959.
Roger entered the United States Air Force from ROTC in October 1958, became a pilot, and subsequently received a Master’s degree from USC and graduated from the USAF Aerospace Research Test Pilot School and the United States Naval War College. He spent most of his Air Force years in the experimental flight test business with two operational tours of duty in Germany. In 1967, he flew 75 combat missions in the A-37 at Bien Hoa Air Base, Vietnam; and in 1968-1969 He piloted 128 combat missions in the F-105D from Takhli RTAFB, Thailand. His combat decorations included the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, and 10 Air Medals. He totaled over 5000 flight hours during the span of his Air Force career. In 1975, Major Smith and two other Air Force majors were awarded the MacKay Trophy for Aviation for Project Streak Eagle which set eight world time-to-climb records using the F-15 aircraft.
Following his retirement from the Air Force in 1984, Roger was employed by Sverdrup Technology at Eglin Air Force Base. He was a member of Daedalians, The Quiet Birdmen, The Society of Experimental Test Pilots and the Lancaster California Aerospace Walk of Honor.
Roger and Marilyn have two sons, Eric Smith (Carol) of Denver CO and Mark Smith (Nora) of Jacksonville FL, and a daughter Lisa Losee (Mike) of Jacksonville FL. Roger and Marilyn have five grandsons, Matthew Losee (Maggie), Nicholas Losee, Captain Harris Smith (Mikaela), Holden Smith (Ariel), and Avery Smith. They have one granddaughter, Samantha Losee and three great-granddaughters, Carmen, Candace, and Macy Losee.
Roger was predeceased by his parents and his brother, David. Roger and Marilyn recently moved to Jacksonville, Florida, but have spent most of their time since their retirement between Denver, Colorado and Ft Walton Beach, Florida enjoying each other, their children, their grandchildren, and their great-grandchildren. A service will be held on Thursday, May 20, 2021 beginning at 2pm at Jacksonville National Cemetery with military honors. A future memorial service will be held in Ft. Walton Beach, Florida. In lieu of flowers, please consider giving a donation to www.communityhospice.com and/or www.wingsofhope.ngo
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