Samuel Allen Smith

Family-Placed Obituary

Our beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Samuel A. Smith passed away Wednesday, December 31, 2003, at the age of 70. Sam fought a long and courageous battle related to a pulmonary illness. Sam was born on September 14, 1933, in Coal Grove, Ohio. Sam joined the United States Air Force in 1952, and served for 21 years. During this time he was called to duty and served one year in the Korean War and one year in the Vietnam War. Sam's other tour of duties included Labador, Thailand and Germany. After retiring, Sam was a Senior Account Agent with Allstate Insurance for 21 years. His parents, Elisha K. and Betty Carpenter Smith; sisters, Arzella, Marcella, Delores; and his brother, Clyde preceded him in death. Sam was a loyal, passionate, faithful and committed husband who devoted his heart and soul to his family and church. He had a remarkable way of touching the lives of every one that he came into contact with. His strong love, pride and spiritual devotion for the Lord and his family always shined throughout him, and will continue to shine throughout the many lives that he has touched. Sam has always been a true inspiration and will continue to live in each of our hearts forever. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Shirley A. Smith (Shirl); Sam has three sons, Lawrence and his wife, Regina of Spring, Gary of Manor, Byron and his wife, Glenda of Manor; father-in-law and mother-in- law, Lawrence and Goldie Brugman; two brothers, Carl and his wife, Sandy, Halwin and his wife, Carol; two sisters, Mary and her husband, John, Shirley and her husband, Mike and sister-in-law, Linda and her husband, David McKee. Sam was blessed with seven grandchildren, Nicholas, a Specialist with the 82nd MP Airborne Division, is currently located in Iraq, Blake and Grant of Spring, Kevin of Elgin, Lance, Vickie and Chad of Manor; two great-grandchildren, Bailey and Tyler of North Carolina. He is also survived by many special nieces, nephews and friends. Sam loved being known to Shirley, Tracie and Lad as their ``Number One Pita'. The family would like to make a very special and heart filled thanks to Dr. Michael Shapiro, his associates and the staff of Pulmonary Critical Care Consultants of Austin. The family will be receiving friends from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 4, 2004, at Cook-Walden Funeral Home . Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, January 5, 2004, at Grace Lutheran Church, 801 West 11th St. (off Hwy 290) in Elgin with Pastor Bryan Sullivan officiating. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Grace Lutheran Church in Sam's memory.