More detail on this person: Retired CW4 Bobby
D. Smith, 76, passed away at his home in Waco on
April 23, 2012. Private burial will be at the
Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in
Killeen.
Mr. Smith served his country for 26 years,
beginning in the Marine Corps and then
transferring to the Army. He rose in the enlisted
ranks to Staff Sergeant before attending flight
school and becoming an Aviation Warrant Officer.
Mr. Smith's service included a tour in Korea, two
tours in Vietnam as a helicopter pilot, and
selection to the Presidential Flight Staff. His
love of flying continued after his retirement from
the Army as he flew commercially for many years
and then began building his own airplane. He
earned a degree in Aeronautical Engineering
through Embry Riddle University and used his
knowledge to design and build electronic
components for aircraft as well as computers and
ham radio. After his wife's death in 2002, Mr.
Smith found a new passion in motorcycles and
enjoyed traveling the country on two wheels. He
was a man of many talents, all of which he used
well.
Mr. Smith is survived by his son, Frank Smith of
Mansfield; daughters, Barbara Smith of Bulverde,
Laura Martin of Moody, and Marilyn Stewart of
Killeen; brother, Jack Smith of Waco; six
grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Sign the Guest Book at www.wacotrib.com
Published in Waco Tribune-Herald on May 2, 2012
This information was last updated 05/18/2016
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