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Edward Smith Obituary
Edward Smith, 38, of Vista died April 5. He was born in Chicago and was a Marine Corps first sergeant serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Smith was a veteran of the Persian Gulf War. He was a reserve SWAT officer for the city of Anaheim.
Survivors include his wife, Sandy; daughter, Shelby of Vista; sons, Nathan and Ryan of Vista; parents, Ronald and Barbara Holliday of Chicago; and sisters, Monique Hayes and Leona Davis of Chicago.
Services: 10 a.m. today, Anaheim Vineyard Christian Fellowship, 5340 East La Palma Ave., Anaheim, with services to follow at Marine Memorial Chapel, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton.
Donations: Sgt. Edward Smith Memorial Fund, c/o Harbor National Bank, 101 E. Lincoln Ave., Suite 125, Anaheim, CA 92805.
Arrangements: Eternal Hills Mortuary.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Edward Smith
Renee
March 31, 2015
I met 1st Sgt Edward Smith in 1986, Camp Talega when he and my future husband, Lcpl Brett Claggett, were serving as Force Recon Marines. Every one of those men were special, but Sgt Smith was a cut above. He had a profound impact on Brett's life because of his integrity, honor and ability to get the best and the most out of everyone. We returned to Alaska in 1988 and Brett couldn't talk about those years without mentioning Smith. When I accidentally came across this page and saw Sgt Smith and read of his loss, my world tilted and memories flashed by of his smile and laugh. Of his strength, in body and character. Of a friend never forgotten. My sincerest condolences to his family.
November 5, 2014
My name is Edward Xavier Desean McCollum and i am a Ssenior at Winfield City Highschool. I play football, basketball, and i run track. We are about to play in the first round of the playoffs, and as we go into this game I will play and honor you. Alot people in todays society take advantage of the rights we have . but they are ungteful for them or the people that have helped us getthese rights . i am sorry for the loss of SGT. Edward Smith. you are the reason i can play the sports that i play and i thank you for that and everything that you do for us. If you want to Email Back You Can @[email protected]
j perry
December 13, 2013
1st Sgt Edward Smith we can't spell Edward without DAD. He was a father to all of us under him. Not a day or night passes that I don't miss him.
April 18, 2013
We miss you so much Edward. His spirit will forever live in us. As we cherish him memories and honor his life we give God the glory for allowing us to be in the midst of such an wonderful man. From all your family here in Illinois we love you and continue to pray for the friends and family of the lives that Edward touvhed. Gone by not forgotten.
Your cousin,
Veronica
Peggy Childers
April 17, 2013
April 5, 2013
To the family and friends of 1st Sgt. Edward Smith:
Always remembering Edward. "Some gave all."
April 5, 2013
Its been ten years since your'e passing but your legacy lives on. Rest easy!
Randy Preston
April 4, 2013
"Smitty its hard to believe its been 10 years since we lost you. I have many fond memories of our time in the police academy. You were the best of us and at times your can do spirit lifted the entire class. You are not forgotten. Semper Fi my friend."
Ginger Mankowski
April 4, 2011
To the family and friends of 1st Sgt. Edward Smith:
Please accept our remembrance of Edward on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
Ginger Mankowski/Peggy Childers
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
Randy Preston
April 8, 2010
I had the honor of getting to know Smitty during our time in the police academy. He was always the consummate professional but quick with a joke and a smile. Each of us can only hope to have the impact on those around us the way Smitty did. He is missed but never forgotten.
Peggy Childers
April 5, 2010
To the family and friends of 1st Sgt. Edward Smith:
Remembering Edward 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
Ken Husted
March 8, 2010
I'm sorry to not have known you personally but have since become close to your family 1st Sgt Edward Smith. Your service exemplified all that this nation should strive to achieve, honor, courage and a willingness to defend our way of life. God bless you and your family. We shall never forget your sacrifice.
May 24, 2009
To let your family know, you are not forgotten this Memorial day
Larry Hinkle
May 23, 2009
1stSgt,
Not a day goes by that I don't think of how I could have prevented that day which will be engrained in our minds for the rest of our life. I remember how a month before you explained to us NCO's how leadership is paramount in time of war. I will forever be in debt to you and your family for giving the ultimate sacrifice for your country. God Bless You and Your Family!
johnson
April 9, 2009
1st Sgt Smith is one of the main reasons i have become the man and father that i have. I think about him on a daily basis and he made such an impact in my life that i named my youngest son after him. I know sorry doesn't help much and it does not give him back to you, but many of us are alive today because of his example and training. i miss him.
Peggy Childers
April 4, 2009
To the family of 1st Sgt. Edward Smith:
Edward 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
Einar Fransen
May 5, 2008
There is not a day I do not think about 1st Sgt. Smith. We are rarely given a second chance in life at something, and I was fortunate to get one from 1st Sgt. Smith. I would like to say thank you for making me a better Marine and person. I would also like to thank his family for sharing this very special man with me and the rest of the Marine Corps. There is a quote from Mark Twain that reminds me of him; "Always do right. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest."
"Celer, Silens, Mortalis."
Peace.
Betty Frye
April 5, 2008
My deepest condolences to the family.May God comfort you in this time of indescribable pain and grief. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Sgt Brooks
November 10, 2007
I didn't really know him, but I served under his command for a short time . I know he is missed and not a day goes by where I don't think of the sacrafice he made for his country. My heart goes out to his family!!!
Michael Johnson
November 3, 2007
My heart goes out to 1st Sgt. Edward Smith. I don't know him but he will be miss.
Calvin Carrington
September 28, 2007
Although I did not get a chance to know you very well, I have heard and read some great things about you. You have made this family proud of you. This country needs more strong black men like you. I admire your bravery and loyalty to The United States of America. From your second cousin,
Veronica Smith
September 13, 2007
My dear heroic cousin. I'm signing this book to celebrate your life, not your death. I'm proud that you are my cousin and we (your family) miss you so much. You were awesome in every since of the word and your spirit still lives in our heart.
Love your cousin,
Veronica
Althea B
July 24, 2007
Thank you for your willingness to defend the United States of America and all that we hold sacred. Though tears can never bring you back, we hope that our tears express our gratitude for the sacrifice that you made and our sorrow at your passing. You are truly a hero and your sacrifice will never be forgotten. Your mission on earth is complete. Stand down brave warrior and take your rightful place in Heaven with all the heroes who have passed before.
Linda Flannery
June 7, 2007
Remembering a brave young Marine, Sgt Smith, you are not forgotten.
God Bless you, and rest in peace.
My flag flies in your honor.
Garnet Jenkins
April 3, 2007
May 1st Sgt. Edward Smith, Rest Safely, in God's Loving Care and may the Peace of God continue to be with the Smith family.
It is an honor to pay tribute to this Brave Marine, with a Multitude of Thanks, for his Courage, Dedication and Service to our Country and for Freedom.
Those who Made these Sacrifices, So Many and So Young, shall Never Be Forgotten, my brother among them. Killed in action in Vietnam in 1967.
May you find peace in knowing the love and memories you have, will remain in your heart forever and that this Country Remembers Edward's sacrifice.
"You now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice." John 16:22
I am So Deeply Sorry for your loss.
HB TOWNSEND
March 29, 2007
WE DEPLOYED TOGETHER A LONG TIME AGO, OUT OF ALL THAT I KNEW YOU ALWAYS SEEMED TO BE THE CAREER MARINE. GO EASY, SEMPER FIDELIS, IT WAS GREAT TO SERVE WITH YOU AND TO LEARN FROM YOU. ACO 1BN/6TH MAR 2ND PLT VET.
Nyi Nyi Sett
December 29, 2006
I saw a tribute video for 1stSgt.Smith. He was a great leader to his marines. Thanks for givign us the freedom.
casey dickerson
November 15, 2006
You are missed and I will always remember you as my 1st Sgt.
Cheryl Tucker
August 28, 2006
I ordered a Fallen Hero bracelet and received one with 1st Sgt Edward Smith's name. I proudly wear it on the handle of my briefcase and say a prayer for your family each time I see it. Thank you for sharing him with us and I appreciate his immense bravery in trying to bring peace and democracy to our world. Yes, he is a hero of the highest kind.
Christopher Sawyer
May 26, 2006
On behalf of the "Cavaliers" from JROTC at Chicago Vocational High School, I offer condolences to the Smith family. Ed will always be remembered, and we were honored to have the opportunity to know him.
Christopher T. Sawyer
Class of 1981
Randy Preston
May 10, 2006
Smitty,
Your memory lives on my friend. You never realize the lives you touch and the impression you will leave. It's obviously from just this one site that you touched many and left a life long impression. We can all hope to live life as well as you did. God Bless Smitty
M.D. L.
April 12, 2006
Semper Fi
Michael Miller
March 19, 2006
1stSgt Smith,
As the anniversary of the invasion is upon us now, I wanted to let you know that your memory is just as fresh to me as it was three years ago. I was the Weapons Platoon Sgt in the vehicle behind yours when it happened. My memory of that day is still very clear. I use your leadership rules as mine now when I teach young Marines about the Corps. They will always know about 1stSgt Smith and his family, "As I promised you on that dusty highway some three years ago."
Semper Fi my brother, you will NEVER be forgotten.
1stSgt Michael A. Miller
USMC (Active)
Tom Gugliuzza-Smith
March 4, 2006
Edward, April 5th will be 3 years since you were taken. You are a hero and you will never be forgotten.
Tom
Tom Gugliuzza-Smith
January 31, 2006
My heartfelt sympathy to the Smith family in the loss of Edward. I did not know Edward, but my heart is broken and I am sadden for your loss of such a fine young man 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. Edward, you will not 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~
Brian Foster
January 10, 2006
1st Sgt.
I just wanted to drop you a line, letting you know that your not forgotten. I'm a police officer now in Overland Mo. a town outside of St. Louis Mo. I plan on visiting you in Oct of 06 when I return to San Diego to get married. Guard the streets proundly Marine, Semper Fi!
Respectfully,
Brian Foster
Randy Preston
October 6, 2005
I served at Naval Weapons Station Fallbrook and spent 15 months with Ed at Palomar Police Academy. During our time in the academy Smitty was an example for all. He was the consumate professional and always there to lend a hand when needed. His quiet sense of humor and constant encourangement carried the academy class on tough days Even today his memory continues and he is missed by all.
MARK RADFORD
September 18, 2005
"Smitty" and family,
You and I graduated the Palomar Police Academy together in 1999. I also served with you on Camp Pendleton, CA. You in Force Recon and I in Military Police. Your guidance and leadership, devotion to family, friends and Corps will never be forgotten. God Bless you. If your family is EVER in need, they have have only to call. Your Friend, SGT Mark Radford.
Chris Hartley
August 15, 2005
Dear Ed,
You are being missed more with each passing day. You are constantly in our thoughts and prayers. We worked together at LFTC/EWTG Pac and went through the Palomar Police Academy together. Your constant motivation has been a daily inspiration to me and you will never be forgotten.
Chris Hartley (Gysgt Ret.)
Sgt C. Hartley St Helena Police Dept.
Kenneth Hailey MGySgt (Ret)
May 16, 2005
As a SSgt, I served with then Cpl Smith on Oki in 83-84. While he was not in my Company, I saw a lot of him as we deployed to Korea twice together. He was always a stellar Marine with a kind nature and highly respected for his work ethics and actions. I just learned of his passing from a Marine Major while on a flight from San Diego to Atlanta. His loss is greatly felt.
DARIS STEEN
March 12, 2005
1stSgt Smith displayed courage that was unmeasureable and it was a honor to have served with him.
DARIS L. STEEN, MBA
U.S. Marine Corps Ret.
Wendell Smith
March 12, 2005
I just watched an old video tape I copied of the Bn. when it was shown on TV. The Louisville Courier Journal has this site of our military heros listed that have been killed in Iraq, I found 1SGT Smith on the video and looked him up on the website. My prayers are for the family and loved ones.
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