Paul Robeson Smith

Born on September 10, 1955, in Bolton, Mississippi, Paul entered the world as one of the first babies born in the newly established Bolton Town Clinic. He was the cherished son of Rev. James B. Smith, Sr. and Mrs. Mary West Smith, and the beloved grandson of Rev. Curtis L. and Mrs. Mary W. West—all of whom preceded him in death.

Paul received his early education in the Jackson Public Schools and graduated with honors from Wingfield High School in 1973, where he distinguished himself as an extraordinarily gifted musician, arranger, and band member. As part of the first class to integrate Wingfield High School, he excelled academically and artistically, earning recognition for his talent, discipline, and leadership.

He continued his education at the University of Southern Mississippi (USM), graduating with honors in 1977 with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science. His academic achievements reflected the lifelong commitment to excellence that would define his career.

Following graduation, he began a distinguished career with the United States Army, serving honorably in Germany. He honorably separated from the Army and continued his government service as an Air Force Civil Servant. He dedicated more than two decades to serving military families through the Airman & Family Readiness Center and later as Acting Chief of the Airman & Family Services Flight at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs. He retired in November of 2021 after 32 years serving our grateful nation.

In these roles, Paul provided leadership and oversight for programs supporting more than 60,000 active duty, retired, civilian, and family members—the largest population in Air Force Space Command. He managed budgets, supervised staff, developed innovative readiness programs, and forged partnerships with local, state, federal, and community organizations. His work included financial counseling, relocation assistance, employment and housing support, transition services, disaster response coordination, and comprehensive outreach to deployed families.

Paul’s leadership was instrumental during major events such as the 2011 Japan Evacuation, the Waldo Canyon Fire, and the Black Forest Fire, where he helped establish safe havens and coordinated support for affected military families. His programs became models for the Air Force, earning recognition for innovation, effectiveness, and compassionate service.

He retired on November 30, 2021, closing a distinguished career defined by integrity, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of others.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Paul will be remembered for his outgoing and sometimes brash spirit, sharp intellect, love of music, and unwavering devotion to those he cared for. His kindness was steady, his humor warm, and his presence a source of comfort and strength. There was never a room he encountered that he could not uplift with his famous side eyes, sarcasm and wit. Paul had a way of lifting the spirits of everyone he encountered and could turn an ordinary moment into an unforgettable one simply by speaking with you.

Paul leaves to cherish his memory his devoted spouse, Horst. He was preceded in death by his brother, the late Curtis Smith (Cyndi). He is also survived by his siblings: James (Jane) Smith, Jonnie (the late Elmer) Fouche’, and Donald (Faye) Smith, nephews: Donovan, Joseph (Sophia), Andrew, Brandon (Rebecca), Jarred(Cori), nieces: Marylin, Deidre, Lauren and extended family, friends, colleagues, and all who were touched by his kindness, humor, and outgoing spirit.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Celebration of Paul's Life will be held Saturday October 3, 2026 at 11am at Imperial Funeral Home 5450 Hwy 78 W Pueblo, CO 81005