Colonel Rayburn Gene Smith (U.S. Army Retired)

Anne, We loved Gene's warm, friendly personality and great conversions. He was a great patriot! It is hard to believe that he has been gone for a year. We just wanted you to know that we are thinking of you at this time.

Gene and I met as Officer Candidates in Armor OCS at Fort Knox in 1966. He inspired me to go into Army Aviation after getting Commissioned and he encouraged me to get assigned to his old Viet Nam unit, 1st Squadron of the 9th Cavalry. I did and it proved to be very good advice. In the late 1980's we reconnected as Lieutenant Colonels assigned to ROTC Headquarters. Though I was at Fort Lewis and he was at Fort Knox, we had frequent contact and phone calls. He was a fine man and soldier.

Anne, We were so sorry to hear of Gene's passing. He was a lovely man and always willing to help as his role as Board member of the Virginia Museum of Natural History Foundation. We will greatly miss him.

Gene I forgot yesterday to say THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE. Gale Trent Hayes.

We are so sorry to hear of Gene´s passing (especially to hear after his service). It was always very enjoyable to talk with him during events at Red Hill. We are praying for his family and will miss seeing him around.

Gene was my bus driver when I went to Brookneal Elementary School. Gene was a senior at William Campbell. He was always so kind. I remember when he left for Vietnam. And his Red Corvette. His Dad & Mom had a country store up the road where we lived. My dad went there everyday. His name was William Trent. So sorry for your loss. He was such a sweet person.