Thomas TJ Jesse Smith Jr.

USAF Ret. MSgt Thomas Jesse Smith Jr., 81, of Brunswick passed away Monday, May 9, 2011 at SGHS Brunswick Campus. Memorial services will be held at 11AM Thursday, May 12, 2011 in the chapel of Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home with full military honors. Inurnment will take place at a later date in Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Black Mountain, NC.

Born September 18, 1929 in Ashville, NC to the late Thomas Johnston and Abbie Belle Warren Smith Sr., he served his country proudly and with honors for 20 years. He began his highly decorated military career serving tours in the Korean Conflict and numerous tours in Southeast Asia. In 1969 he was presented the Bronze Star for exemplary leadership, personal endeavor and devotion to duty while serving one of his many tours in Southeast Asia. Mr. Smith retired from the USAF Special Forces as a MSgt after returning from Southeast Asia in 1972. After retirement, Mr. Smith worked for Cradle Forestry in NC, an avid outdoorsman he enjoyed drawing and wood carving. He was of the Methodist Faith and had been a resident of Glynn County since 2009. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a brother William Warren Gardner.

Survivors include his wife, Christine Ivey Smith of Brunswick, three sons, Thomas J. Smith of Conyers, William D. Smith and wife Renee of Covington, John F. Nations and wife Barbara of Raleigh, NC, three daughters, Mary Jane Mercedes-Smith of Baltimore, MD, Rebecca Van Kanegan and husband John of Covington, and Ruby Lynn Avant of Brunswick, twelve grandchildren and five great grandchildren, one brother Charles Lafayette Smith.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or charity of choice. Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. www.edomillerandsons.com