Edgar James Smith

Staff Sgt. Edgar James Smith, U.S. Army (retired) passed away Thursday evening, March 5, 2009, at his residence in Roanoke, Va. He was born on June 22, 1943 in Hardwood, West Feliciana Parish, La. He was preceded in death by his wife of 36 years, Betty Lou Barnett Smith (Fincastle, Va.), his father, Thomas Smith Sr. and his brother, Thomas Smith Jr. Surviving are his daughters – Lt. Commander Elissa Janena Smith, of Alexandria, Va., a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and Erin Jannette Smith, of Roanoke, Va., a graduate of Virginia Western Community College; his mother, Velma Johnson Smith Atkins, of Baton Rouge, La.; his brothers, Leon Atkins (Imogene), of Enterprise, Ala., Lionel Willie Smith (Brenda), of Baton Rouge, La., and Oliver Ray Smith, of Las Vegas, Nev.; his sister, Carolyn Smith-Doze, of San Antonio, Texas; sister-in-law, Judith Carolyn Barnett, of Fincastle, Va.; his brother-in-law, Edward Wayne Barnett, of Fincastle, Va.; a number of nieces, nephews, all the beloved and caring Smith, Atkins, Johnson, Barnett, Jackson and Girty family members and cousins from coast to coast. After graduating from John S. Dawson High School in West Feliciana, Parish, La. in 1961, he enlisted in the Army in 1964. In 1966, while serving with the Army's heralded 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) in Vietnam, Smith was wounded during combat operations and was awarded the Purple Heart Medal. Throughout his distinguished career, Smith served in a variety of units, both stateside and overseas, including the Army's elite 75th Rangers (Airborne). The Rangers adopted their now famous motto, 'Rangers lead the way' during intense combat on Omaha Beach during the Normandy invasion.
Edgar was medically retired from the Army in 1978 after suffering a massive heart attack. His awards and decorations include the Combat Infantryman Badge, the coveted Parachutist Badge, Good Conduct Medal (w/ 4 gold loops), National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Korea), Vietnam Service Medal (w/ 3 Battle Stars) and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. He was a member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart and the Disabled American Veterans, an organization dedicated to, "Building Better Lives for America's Disabled Veterans"
Edgar remained active in his community and was known by many for his kindness, generosity, and his willingness to help others who were in need. He is probably best known for being an avid supporter of Roanoke Valley Christian Schools (Eagles) girl's sports program. Edgar could always be found around the court or field watching his daughters' volleyball, basketball, and softball teams where his voice would always get a bit louder when he was cheering for them and their teammates.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Heart Association, the local food bank in your area, the Edgar James Smith Scholarship Fund. [Scholarship fund points of contact: Tracy Doze Francis (225-272-8389) or Lionel W. Smith (225-357-4387)]
Friends are welcome to attend Edgar's memorial service today, Thursday, March 12, 2009, at 4 p.m. at Simpson Funeral Home, 5160 Peters Creek Road, Roanoke, Va. The family will receive friends two hours prior to the service. A service of celebration will be held on Sunday, March 15, 2009, at 6 p.m. at Winnfield Funeral Home, 7221 Plank Rd., Baton Rouge, La., with a viewing from 4 to 6 p.m. Dismissal will be held on Monday, March 16, 2009, at Winnfield Funeral Home at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at the Port Hudson National Cemetery with full military honors.