Wayne L. Smith

Wayne Louis Smith experienced a full life before reluctantly departing from us on Thursday, April 1, 2021. Wayne was born on December 5, 1929 in Sidell Illinois to Gladys and Elza Smith. He graduated from Tuscola Community High School in 1947 and soon enlisted in the Illinois Air National Guard. Wayne couldn’t wait to join the United State Air Force and in 1950 was assigned to the Avionics Tech and Survival Institute near Riverside, California. Early in his career, he and another airman were patrolling the flight line when they witnessed a B29 crash on the airfield. Together they rescued ten members from the wreckage. Their commander asked them what choice of duty they would like in recognition for their bravery. Wayne wanted to become a pilot and was soon transferred to officer candidate school. In 1953, Wayne received his wings and was commissioned as an instructor pilot at Webb AFB. He logged over 3000 hours in several aircraft including the T-6, T-28, T-33, T-34, F-80, F-84, and F-86 aircraft. Wayne loved flying as it provided him opportunities to travel and build relationships across the globe. Wayne is survived by the current love of his life Simmie and her son Robert Scott Pegues and former wife Loretta’s mother of his five children Terry, Ron, Scott, Cheryl, and Steve. He was blessed with nine grandchildren including Gabrielle, Rachael, Angela, Jessica, Sarah, Claire, Autumn, Finn, and Alexi and finally one spitfire great grandson August.

Wayne received a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Wyoming in 1970 where his knack for tinkering expanded his capabilities. Wayne treasured an extensive career as a pilot and instructor with the United States Air Force. He retired from Randolph AFB in San Antonio, Texas in 1974 just long enough to turn-around and serve again under civil service. He was promoted to Action Officer in 1975 where his role focused on training and support functions for the B1-A bomber and F-15 fighter jet. His responsibilities including construction, design, and review efforts for facilities located in Egypt, Venezuela, and Saudi Arabia. His final project required frequent travel to the Pentagon supporting the Air Force’s efforts to covert training manuals to digital format. Wayne spent most of his adult life training and mentoring others. In all, he dedicated over 53 years serving God and country as a decorated serviceman.

Wayne was heavily involved in supporting his congregation at Christ Lutheran Church in Alamo Heights. He served as an usher and often volunteered whenever anyone needed a helping hand. He assisted with mission work in Mexico and helped build children centers within the San Antonio community.

Wayne enjoyed fishing and often spent time with his family along the Gulf Coast. He often wandered to the great outdoors and shared his love for adventure with his children. Trips to the mountains included skiing, camping, or fishing usually in remote wilderness areas. He smiled when pleasure boating or on quick trips to the coastline with family. He was one of the dads coaching a baseball team or leading a scout meeting. He helped his sons build winning pine wood derby and soap box derby cars and rallied them to local championships. He liked motor sports and would often listen to race cars churn laps while he tinkered in the garage.

Family visitation will be at Sunset Funeral Home on Monday, May 3, 2021 from 4-5 pm followed by public viewing hosted 5-7 pm. A celebration of life will be presented at Christ Lutheran Church in Alamo Heights on Tuesday, May 4, 2021 from 12:30-1:30 pm. The United States Air Force honors presentation will be conducted for the immediate family at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, Pavilion #2 in recognition of his military service from 2:15- 2:45 pm.

Wayne and Simmie enjoyed supporting local charities. A donation to Christ Lutheran Church in Alamo Heights or the San Antonio Metropolitan Mission (https://www.samm.org/give/) in lieu of flowers would help encourage the great efforts that he so much fostered and appreciated.

Christ Lutheran Church Alamo Heights - 6720 Broadway, San Antonio TX 78209

Phone: 210-822-3394 Website: Christ Lutheran Church in Alamo Heights (clcah.org)

Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery - 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd., San Antonio TX 78209

Phone: 210-820-3891 Fax: 210-820-3445

Website: Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery - National Cemetery Administration (va.gov)