Edward M. Smith Sr.

SFC (Ret.) Edward M. Smith Sr., 95, of Columbus, Georgia, passed away on August 6, 2021. A visitation will be held in the St. Elmo room at Striffler-Hamby on Monday, August 9, 2021 from 6:00PM until 8:00 PM. The funeral for Mr. Smith will be on Tuesday, August 10, 2021 at Gentian Baptist Church at 12:30PM with a burial following at Fort Mitchell National Cemetery.

Edward was born on December 14, 1925, in Columbus, Georgia, to the late Henry Calvin and Lillian Corrine Smith. In 1940, at the age of 15, Edward chose to serve his country by joining the United States Navy where he spent the next 8 years in combat. Once he came home, he met the love of his life, Donna, and on May 14, 1946 Edward and Donna got married. He took some time off from the military and worked at many different jobs such as helping build the Oliver Dam here in Columbus and worked for the Deputy Sheriff office in Columbus. Edward was a member of the Midland Masonic Lodge #144, the Experimental Aircraft Association, and Gentian Baptist Church. He flew his own airplane, loved fishing, and loved talking to his friends and family as he had great stories to tell. Edward retired after 15 years in the Army having served in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. He is proceeded in death by his sons, Edward Madison Smith Jr. and Edward (Eddie) Madison Smith III; his parents, Henry and Lillian Smith, a brother, Tommy P. Cowan; and a grandchild, Christopher Scott Davis.

He is survived by his wife of 75 years; Donna; his daughter, Katherine Schneider (Howie); two sons, Tommy M. Smith (Brenda) and Clifton Smith (Jeannie); 9 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, and 7 great-great grandchildren.

To leave fond memories or an online condolence to the Smith family, please visit our website at www.shcolumbus.com.