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Orenthial Smith Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Orenthial Smith
Nick Berend
January 12, 2024
Its been many years. I don't ever forget that day. You are a hero Smith and my condolences to your family. I was in Iraq with you and did a few convoys with you. Your always in my thoughts and prayers. You kept us safe that deployment watching over us. God bless you and your family. You are not forgotten.
Nick Berend
Lauren
June 15, 2023
Help local Girl Scout Lauren of GS Troop 30364 remember Sergeant Orenthial Smith on the 20th Anniversary of the day he gave his life for America during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Join us grave side at Saint Mary Baptist Church cemetery in Martin SC on Thursday June 22nd at 10:30am for a service honoring his sacrifice. Lauren is an eleven-year-old Junior Girl Scout and would like everyone to hear how she selected Sergeant Smith as part of her Bronze Award Project with her goal being for him to always be remembered as a great citizen of Allendale.
Angela Leverette
February 7, 2020
After, seventeen years I have never forgotten you. We have never met, but you have always been in my thoughts and heart. June 22, 2003 is a day I will never forget. We were only passing through. I wanted to stop and help, but our mission was so critical we had to keep moving. On that day I saw your face and said a prayer for you. You are my hero and your sacrifice will never be forgotten.
Jay Jones
May 27, 2019
Happy Memorial Day day battle. Until we meet again in Valhalla
Willa Goode
May 27, 2018
Rest In Peace.
Willa Goode
May 29, 2017
Rest In Peace,Cousin
Eugenia Drake
August 8, 2016
Today is no different than the rest. My heart is heavy because over the last few months you've been on my mind. I miss you and your antics. That smile. So much is going on in the world that you don't even want to know about. Only thing that's missing to make it a little better is you. Rest in Paradise my friend.....rest in paradise!!!
Micheal Hill
October 7, 2015
Sergeant Smith will be honored during the 1st ever SC run For the Fallen event being held on Nov 7th & 8th 2015. Currently his mile is at 1430 on the 7th. Please visit SCRunForTheFallen.org for more information or find us on Facebook at South Carolina Run For The Fallen.
May 29, 2015
Still remembered,respected and honored by this individual.
Leon Priester
May 26, 2015
May you forever rest in peace OJ.
Vicie Goode
May 25, 2015
missing you everyday, O.J. love you always
Teresa Smith
May 25, 2015
Rest in peace sweet cousin.
roosevelt goode
May 25, 2015
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Willa Goode
May 25, 2015
Rest In Peace Cousin.
Willa Goode
May 25, 2014
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Peggy Childers
June 23, 2012
June 22, 2012
To the family and friends of Spc. Orenthial J. Smith:
Always remembering Orenthial. "Some gave all."
Nicole Cartledge
May 28, 2012
Smitty, you touched so many lives with your kind words and gentle smile. I know you have found peace in your glorious resting place friend. A great man and a courageous warrior. My prayers are with the Smith family.
Crystal Mattison
August 30, 2011
I remember Smith while serving in the POL platoon. He always had a kind word to say and was extermely funny. I remember when he used to see me from the barracks window from A Co and yell;"Hey Mrs. Jones!" He was a sweet and brave young man. I miss his laughter and jokes. You are truly missed everyday and there is not a day that goes by that I don't think about you Smitty. God Bless your family and I know that you are looking down at us.
Dorothy Trimmer
August 9, 2011
Always in our hearts! Never forgotten! Love ya buddy!
Michell Johnson
August 7, 2011
Wow Smitty! I'm at a lose for words. I just found out. Rip my old friend
JUDE FOLIVI
August 7, 2011
Well Smithy,
I am proud to say i served in the same platoon as you "POL"! GOD BLESS YOU BRO! AS YOU ENJOY YOUR DESERVED ETERNAL REST. PRAY FOR US WHO CONTINUE THE FIGHT HERE ON EARTH.
Edmond Jones
August 6, 2011
Even though it seems just like yesterday, you were trying to calm me down after a fight with my ex wife, I took your words to Italy with me. I found out that you passed, and something inside of me died too. You had just got to the unit as I was leaving. But what really hurt the most is when SFC Bruce Johnson came back to the HUMMV with tears in his eyes saying he just saw a fallen soldier clip on CNN while in Afghanistan. Bro, you touched a lot of lives with your positive attitude and love for your fellow soldier. We love you and will NEVER let your name go unremembered. Jones
Sandy Graham
June 22, 2011
I did not have the pleasure of meeting this incredible young man but I feel that I have after reading some of the wonderful testimonies of his life. May God continue to keep you strong and thank you for raising such a fine young man. He will not be forgotten. God bless you always.
Peggy Childers
June 22, 2011
To the family and friends of Spc. Orenthial J. Smith:
Please accept my remembrance of Orenthial on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
Eugenia Drake
August 25, 2010
From my heart to yours. My candle shines bright everyday in the memory of my dearest friend. RIP Smitty. Luv you!!
SFC (RET) Dan Chambers
August 24, 2010
Rest in Peace-Never Forget out fallen heros
Photo that one of our friends had of Smitty. We miss you!!!
E Drake
June 24, 2010
Peggy Childers
June 22, 2010
To the family and friends of Spc. Orenthial J. Smith:
Remembering Orenthial on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
Nicki Storrar
April 4, 2010
On behalf of my mother and brother I would like to say how sorry I am. My brother wast in Iraq with spc smith and he's struggling with PTSD and his dear friend's death. I know him and my mother would like to get in touch with spc smith's mother. If anyone could please contact me with some contact info for his family, I'd really appreciate it. [email protected] Thank you
Kenna Larra
March 9, 2010
”Honor and Remember” - “Project Compassion” We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to the hero’s Mother, Father and/or spouse. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Almost 2,000 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
This is a gift! We have wonderful sponsors who help with the costs, and want you know that we care.
Contact us directly at [email protected] or go to www.heropaintings.com . If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Kenna
Penny Serafin/Pabon
December 13, 2009
Just wanted to let OJ's family know he is always in our hearts and on behalf of the old school 123rd MSB (Dexheim/Iraq), he will never be forgoten! Happy Holidays, and may peace truely be with you.
Eugenia
July 3, 2009
I miss you ....I miss you....I miss you!!!!! Time doesn't make it easier when you have love for someone like I do for you. It's hard but I make it because it's what you would have wanted. But just know I will never let go cause no matter where you are in my heart. Love you Smitty. Muah
debbi
July 1, 2009
Orenthial, I've spoken to your mom and keep her up-to-date as what we are doing in SC Gold Star Mothers & Families. I know that you will never be forgotten and that all your family and friends remember you always with love.
http://goldstarfamilysupportgroup.com
In memory of my son
SPC Harry (Buck) Winkler III
KIA 11/12/2006 Samarra, Iraq
CO-A 2/505th PIR 82nd Airborne
Peggy Childers
June 22, 2009
To the family of Spc. Orenthial J. Smith:
Orenthial gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
Ayana Moore
May 22, 2009
I was stationed in Dexheim, Germany with Spc Smith and new him very well, we were close friends. I was also in the POL Platoon with him. He spoke of his loving mother often. I was with him on several occasions we he called her from his cell phone. I admired the love he showed for his family and friends. He was so loving, and giving! He was an extraordinary person and solider. He is deeply missed!
Willa Goode
December 11, 2008
In My Pocket
I have memories in my pocket.
They rattle among the change.
My memories of you are treasures I carry wherever I go.
They are stored in bits and pieces, parts of a beautiful whole
They give me comfort when I think I am alone.
Yes, I have memories in my pocket, like so much other stuff I keep there.
But of all the treasures I have, it’s the memories of you that are the most precious.
Lynn Kennedy
September 28, 2008
To the family of Spc. Smith. On this Gold Star Mothers day, please know our thoughts and prayers are with you. We will never forget.
Lynn
SC Coordinator Home of the Brave Quilt Project
The Neal family
June 27, 2008
To the family of Spc. Smith,
Please know that just as your loved one will remain in your hearts and minds, his sacrifice and that of your family, will remain with the people he died defending. Words cannot express the gratitude we feel for his bravery and selflessness, or the heartache we feel for your loss. God grant you the peace that passes all understanding.
In Memory of Orenthial Javon ~ (Debra Estep)
June 22, 2008
Holding you all in my thoughts and prayers.
The Wind on The Downs
“I like to think of you as brown and tall,
As strong and living as you used to be,
In khaki tunic, Sam Brown belt and all,
And standing there and laughing down at me.
Because they tell me, dear, that you are dead,
Because I can no longer see your face,
You have not died, it is not true, instead
You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe;
I hear you laughing as you used to do,
Yet loving all the things I think of you;
And knowing you are happy, should I grieve?
You follow and are watchful where I go.”
(Written by Marian Allen during World War l )
Two lines that I wish you to keep near your heart…….
“You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe”
I did not know Orenthial, but I am remembering
his service. He is my hero. !
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The Other Side
i'm over on the other side
where life and death softly divide.
left my skin and bones behind
now i'm over on the other side.
can you feel me there with you?
my breath is gone but i'm not through.
loved you then and i still do
from over on the other side.
i can fly. really fly.
below the earth ... all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.
it's good here on the other side.
the sweetest songs...the bluest skies.
thank you for the tears you cried
but it's good here on the other side.
i can fly. really fly. below the earth...all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side
the world is smaller than a needle's eye.
where life and death softly divide.
when you leave your skin and bones behind
i'll be waiting on the other side.
i can fly. really fly. below the earth ... all through the sky.
go tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.
Song lyrics by Don Conoscenti
C Desert Muse/SESAC
www.donconoscenti.com
(Used with permission)
“I hope it brings great comfort to any and all.
Peace on you. DonCon” 4-2008
The Other Side –
http://tinyurl.com/3o8gol
Sincerely,
Deb Estep ~ Ohio
Proud Air Force Mom and MIL
Remembering The Fallen – Blog
http://tinyurl.com/3z8p55
Angel and soldier drawing I have shared here.
http://tinyurl.com/6gey8b
Marta Mozzott
April 25, 2008
Dear Family: I am so sorry for your loss. I am part of a group of cross stitcher's that create memorial pieces for families of fallen soldier's. A piece is currently being stitched for Spc. Smith and when it is complete we would like to send it to you. See our group page to confirm who we are: http://groups.msn.com/americansoldiermemorialproject
This is our way to show support to the families.
Thank you
November 16, 2007
You are remembered and respected. Thank you Spc Smith!
Eugenia Drake
November 12, 2007
I missed you so much today Smitty. You mean the world to me. It's so hard to come to grips with you being gone. I was in NC this weekend and I cried because I though of you and my heart hurted. I love you OJ and always will. Muah baby!!!
Althea B
July 24, 2007
I stare at the casket;
Draped with the nation's cloth.
I'm momentarily startled;
As the guns go off.
Another fallen soldier;
Being laid to rest.
I struggle to breathe;
For this tightness in my chest.
The bugler so smooth;
As he hits every note.
It is hard to swallow;
Because of this lump in my throat.
Tears fall like rain;
As I look to the sky.
No matter how many times I hear it;
Taps still makes me cry.
The bugle now silent;
As we pray for the dead.
I gather myself;
As I bow down my head.
Lord bless these heroes;
Who have given their lives.
Comfort their children;
Their husbands and wives.
Let us not forget;
They have given their all.
Let the bugle be silent;
Let no more soldiers fall.
July 6, 2007
Thank you for the sacrifice made by Spc Smith and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!
diana haughton
June 22, 2007
I cannot come to term that Smith has gone. I know him from Ft Stewart Ga and we keep intouch when we were both in germany. I miss him and i know he is in heaven
hhd, precious hill
June 20, 2007
wow baby boy, i wanted to pay homage to you. in rememberence to you. i miss you man,u made me being in nbc so fun before we deployed to iraq. especially when u wanted an extra smedium top and bottom. im so sorry what happened that day. we miss you so much and hopefully we'll see you soon. i will never forget you
Clarence Dinkins
June 13, 2007
I served with Spc. Smith in Iraq I still remember that day like yesturday a tragic day that I will forever remember
PENNY PABON/SERAFIN
June 6, 2007
SPC SMITH WAS ONE OF A KIND, THE DAY HE WAS GONNA BE THE ARMOR FOR OUR UNIT WAS THE DAY HE CAME TO MY PLATOON AND THAT VERY DAY I WAS BLESSED TO HAVE KNOWN HIM. HE WAS JOKED WITH FOR LEAVING THE POL PLATOON AND WAS CALLED A TRADER AS A JOKE. SMITH JUMPED RIGHT IN AND FULL FILLED HIS RESPONSIBILITIES AS WE KNEW HE WOULD, SMITTY AND I WERE PACKING UP THE ARMS ROOM GETTING READY FOR DEPLOYMENT I PUT A STICKY NOTE ON HIS BACK WITH SOMETHING WRITTEN ON IT...EVERYONE WOULD PASS AND LAUGH AND MAKE COMMENTS TO HIM. HE HAD NO IDEA. LATER HE FOUND THE NOTE AND STUCK IT TO MY BACK. HE WAS ALWAYS FUN LIKE THAT. ILL MISS HIM. HE WAS ON THAT CONVOY THAT DAY TO REPLACE A SOLDIER WHO WANTED TO ATTEND A CHURCH SERVICE, HE WAS SELF-LESS AND LOVING. MY HERO, MY BATTLE, MY FRIEND.
Garnet Jenkins
May 10, 2007
In Remembrance of Spc. Orenthial J. Smith, who gave his life for our Country, with so much gratitude to this Brave Young Soldier and his family, for his Courage, Dedication and Service to our Country and for Freedom.
These Young Heroes who Made this Ultimate Sacrifice, shall Never Be Forgotten, my young brother among them, who was killed in action in Vietnam in 1967.
"Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid, they have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices". - PRESIDENT HARRY S. TRUMAN
I am sincerely hoping that you continue to feel the thoughts of Caring and Support that surround you each day, as this Grateful Country Remembers Someone Very Precious to you, who is a Hero to all of us.
I am So Deeply Sorry for your loss.
Gary Allain
January 2, 2007
Spc. Orenthial J. Smith
you are my hero
may god keep you in his arms forever.
debbi rivers
December 17, 2006
We are so close and I remember when your son was killed and mine was serving in Iraq at the time. Now my son's second tour ended with his life taken. SPC Harry (Buck) Winkler will now be in heaven with your son as our guardian angels watch over us. Mother of another fallen soldier.
Tom Gugliuzza-Smith
October 15, 2006
My heartfelt sympathy to the Smith family in the loss of Orenthial. I did not know Orenthial, but my heart is broken and I am saddened for your loss of such a fine young person and hero. May God bring you peace in your heart as you reflect on all the wonderful memories you hold so close. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers. My heart was touched by the many wonderful/beautiful things written about you. Orenthial it has been over 3 years since you were taken please know that you are my hero and you will NEVER be forgotten.
I send each of you a hug from the most inner part of my heart.
Love and Peace
Tom
To live in the hearts
of those you leave behind
is never to die"
~Robert Orr~
bobbiejo lazo
May 30, 2006
I was stationed with smitty, in germany and iraq, even till this day I will never forget the memory of his great spirit. I just wanted to tell his mother what a wonderful son she had. He is still greatly missed.
Eugenia Drake
May 24, 2006
"Smitty" was one of my closest friends. He did so much for me and cared so much for me when I got to Fort Stewart. He lived next door to me in the barracks and would always come over and sit on my bed and just watch TV with me. I loved him like a brother. When he left going to Germany. I remember him talking about how much fun he was going to have there. I later joined him in the same unit and we both were so excited. He grabbed me and hugged me so tight when I saw him. They always teased that I was "Smitty girl". He did so much for so many people from his heart. He would give you his shirt off his back if you were in need. I was absolutely devastated when we got the news that I lost strength in my knees and fell to the ground.I cried for weeks on end and still do to this day. Now they are not tears of pain but tears of joy to have had a wonderful friend such as Smith.I feel like he was a part of me.OJ will never be forgotten. To his mother. I wanted to call you so bad but I didn't want you to be bumbarded by so much greif. Just know Smitty was loved deeply and always will be by 703rd from Fort Stewart, and 123rd in Dexhiem Germany. My heart is with you.MUAH!!!!
Jim Ritchie
April 23, 2006
To the family and friends of Spc. Orenthial J. Smith,
My deepest sympathy on your loss.
Pat Canfall
April 10, 2006
My condolences to the Smith family.
Orenthial may you rest in peace. Thank you for making the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom. You have earned your golden halo and wings. May you continue to soar in the heavenly clouds up above.
Brigade CSM Patrick Douglas
January 31, 2006
I was with Orenthal on that convoy the day he was taken from us. We were heading to Baghdad Airport on a resupply mission for the 1st Armored Division. I was also with him in the field hospital after the IED exploded and saw that the Doctors there did everything possible to save him and spare him any pain. I had the honor of Playing the Bagpipes at the Memorial Service in his honor in Camp Dogwood Iraq. I remember that it was very hard to play, as I was crying along with all the rest of the soldiers. I still eat from time to time in the dining facility in Dexheim Germany that was named after him and it is always a great meal. I have recently made arraingments to display the Bagpipes at the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor in Newburg NY in honor of both our Purple hearts.
Clyde Bowden & family
December 2, 2005
thank you brave soldier, SPC. ORENTHIAL J SMITH! please accept our deepest sympathies & condolences. God bless.
Don Smith
September 24, 2005
Hi,"Life for us".It's a Greek saying.Love-Don
Della Peggins
May 26, 2005
To the Smith Family,
I don't know your loved one, but I just wanted to express my heartfelt sympathy for your loss.
Spc Orenthial J. Smith is a true hero.
May God Bless you and keep you strong through it all.
Susan Johnson
May 11, 2005
Thank you brave soldier for your selfless sacrifice for the freedom of others. I am deeply grateful and profoundly humbled by your courageous service to our great country. May God bless your family and bring them peace and comfort.
Jessica Brooks
May 11, 2005
To the Family of Spc. Orenthial J. Smith I extend my sincere condolences on the loss of your dear loved one. Death is never easy but we can take comfort in the promise that Jesus Christ gave at John 5: 28 & 29 where he said "Do not marvel at this, the hour is coming when all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out. Those who did good things to a resurrection of life.." Thus we have the sure hope of being reunited with those we love.
Dennis Carroll
May 11, 2005
Dear Smith Family,
I just want to thank you good folks for Spc. Smith. He wouldn't have been the man he was without you. Anyone who gives his life for others is always a hero. I hope God can comfort you in this time of great loss. God Bless.
The Carroll Family
Doris Haywood (McBryde)
July 1, 2003
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Always remember Hymn # 449 and that Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal.
The Haywood Family
N Dandy
July 1, 2003
As with some others who have signed this book, I do not know your family.I only want to say that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Nothing can replace your loved one but the pride you feel for his service to our nation may be some comfort. We appreciate him and the other brave men and women like him. They have answered a call that many would not. NS Dandy
Karen Brooks
June 30, 2003
I was saddened to hear about the loss of yet another young man from my home town. To Iratean, our prayers are with you and may God's grace and love continue to comfort you.
Kathy Riggs
June 30, 2003
I am very saddened that Bro. Smith was killed in the line of duty. I am very proud of him, however! I saw on the news about the tragedy --and never dreamed I would have the opportunity to email you. I was seeking info on a missionary friend of mine who died yesterday, and am blessed to be able to express my condolenses to you now. All of America is saddened by your loss. God bless you all!
La Kisha
June 30, 2003
May the concern and sympathy of those who care help you through this very difficult time.
Sincerely,
an U.S. Air Force veteran
June 30, 2003
MAY GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOUR FAMILY TOGETHER DURING THE LOSS OF THIS FALLEN HERO. I THANK GOD FOR THIS SOLDIER AND MANY MORE LIKE HIM. KEEP YOUR HEADS UP AND TRUST IN THE LORD
Marilyn Kitchens
June 30, 2003
You don't know me, but I just wanted to say I'm sorry for your loss and to say thank you to your son for giving his life for his country and to let you know that his family is in my thoughts and prayers. God bless each and every one of you and GOD BLESS AMERICA!
Deborah Terry
June 30, 2003
To the Smith family, I am so sorry for your loss. I do not know your son or the family. I am so very proud and grateful for him and the rest of our armed forces.
Yours in Christ,
Deborah Ivey-Terry
James and Anne Gunby
June 30, 2003
We are very sorry for your loss and eternally grateful for your son's decision to fight and protect this country. May his soul now rest in peace and the family take comfort in knowing there is a God who can soothe and heal all wounds.
Marcy Martinez
June 30, 2003
When Talisha called on Sunday the 22nd with the news, both Cedric and I were devistated. Being a Marine myself, I know how hard it must be on the family. I just want to say, thank you to OJ, and to his family, we are here. We love you.
Marcy & Cedric
Kim Cruse
June 30, 2003
Although we never met I thank you for protecting us. May your family find peace in knowing you are true hero. Kim
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