Lt. Col. (Ret) David Smart

David was born August 18, 1935 in Greer, SC. He was the only child of Thurman and Ethel Smart (nee Moody) and grew up in Liberty, SC before moving to Greenwood, SC. He graduated from Greenwood High School in 1953 then enrolled at Clemson Agricultural College (now Clemson University). At the time, Clemson was an all-male military school and this is where he began his long military career. He graduated in 1957 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Textile Engineering and one week later on June 9, 1957, David married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Alexander.

After graduation from Clemson, David received his Air Force commission and joined the United States Air Force as a 2nd Lieutenant. He and Barbara immediately moved to Texas where he enrolled at Texas A&M receiving a second Bachelor of Science Degree in Meteorology in 1958. David later attended a continuing education program at the University of Hawaii, Honolulu and eventually earned a Master’s Degree in Management from Webster University.

David was a member of the US Air Force Air Weather Service for his entire military career. While stationed in Puerto Rico, David supported the “Hurricane Hunter” team dangerously flying directly into hurricanes to gather critical weather information. In 1968, David served in Thailand and Vietnam as a meteorology officer supporting combat flight operations in a leadership role during the Vietnam War. David was ceremoniously awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious action in Vietnam and was recognized with additional service commendations. After Vietnam, David and his family were stationed in London, England for several years.

After a long and distinguished military career having lived in Texas (twice), New Mexico, Puerto Rico, Alabama (twice), Nebraska, England, Illinois and Georgia, David retired from the Air Force in 1984 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He and his family remained in Columbus, GA where he had served his last military assignment at Fort Benning. His fondness of the mild climate, his close friends in Columbus and finally being near his family roots made the choice of staying in the Southeast and particularly, Columbus, an easy decision.

His working career was not over as he went to work in the private sector in Columbus for Morton Machine Works as a Procurement Manager. He later joined Lummus Supply and then served as Business Manager at St. Paul United Methodist Church before finally deciding to enjoy the remainder of his life in retirement.

David was very active in the Columbus community. He served on the Brookstone Homeowners Association Board and was Secretary of the Columbus Exchange Club for many years. He volunteered as an usher at both St. Paul United Methodist and St. Luke United Methodist Churches. In addition, he found time to volunteer as a golf cart driver at Martin Army Hospital, Fort Benning helping patients and visitors get from their cars to the front door. David was also one of the founding members of the Chattahoochee Valley Clemson Club where he loved spending time with the Clemson football coaching staff when they visited the Columbus area. He and Barbara enjoyed attending shows at the Springer Opera House and River Center, cheering on the Clemson football team at games in Death Valley and watching their two grandsons participate in sporting and school events in the Atlanta area.

He and Barbara loved to travel the world on ocean and river cruises. In addition to visiting such places as Russia and Israel, David was particularly fond of riding camels in Egypt. Throughout his life, he stepped foot on every continent except Antarctica. As their world travels slowed down, they made up for it enjoying retirement at Spring Harbor in Columbus where they participated in many social activities and had a tremendous group of friends.

David was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend. He proudly served our country and was a man of great Christian faith. We will miss him always.

He was proceeded in death by his parents and by his loving wife of 63 years, Barbara Smart. His death followed hers by only 11 days and we are comforted by knowing they are together eternally.

He is survived by his son, Tony Smart and his wife Susie of Suwanee, GA; his daughter Lisa Walker and her husband Richard of Roswell, GA; his grandsons Michael Smart and Evan Smart of Suwanee, GA; his sister-in-law Betty Avery and brother-in-law Frank Alexander of Clinton, SC; his niece Kim Windsor and four nephews Greg, Kevin, Tim and Todd Alexander all of Clinton, SC.

A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at 10:00 AM Tuesday, February 16, 2021 at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 4071 Macon Road, Columbus, GA 31907. David will have a private burial with full military honors at the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, GA.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org).