More detail on this person: John Norris Smith passed away peacefully on April 22, 2022, in Colorado Springs surrounded by his family.
John was born July 4, 1937, in Waterford, Mississippi. He graduated from Holly Springs High School in 1955 where he played baseball, basketball and was an All-state football star. After graduating from Mississippi State University in 1959, John was commissioned Second Lieutenant, US Army.John served two tours of the Vietnam War where he earned several medals, including The Distinguished Flying Cross, two Bronze Stars and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry. He was an Airborne Ranger and Army Aviator, piloting Caribou's during his first Vietnam tour and air-assault helicopters during his second tour. After retiring as an Army Major, John continued piloting helicopters off-shore for Transco and Air Logistics in Louisiana and later, Medivac for Air Life in Denver.
He loved golf and had three hole-in-one shots. He spent his retirement years working as a golf marshal and starter at the Broadmoor Golf Club. John also enjoyed creating stained glass art and watercolor painting John is survived by his wife of 58 years, Mary Smith and daughters; Shaun Garcia and Stacey Parker. He also leaves behind his namesakes and grandchildren who were his pride and joy: Sam Norris Parker, Julian Alexander Garcia and John Roosevelt Garcia. A celebration of life will be held this summer, more details to come. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to Pike Peak Hospice and Palliative Care (www.pikespeakhospice.org)
Published by The Gazette on May 15, 2022.
This information was last updated 05/15/2022
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Date posted on this site: 04/13/2025
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