Milam Frank Smith Jr.

Milam Frank Smith, Jr. October 21, 1921 – June 18, 2012 Milam ("Sonny") Frank Smith, Jr., 90 of Midland, Texas passed away on June 18, 2012, following a long battle with Alzheimer's. Sonny was born on October 21, 1921 in San Antonio, Texas, to Milam F. Smith, Sr. and Olivia Betz Smith. Sonny graduated from Brackenridge High School in San Antonio and later served in the United States Coast Guard during World War II – North Atlantic campaign. He was assigned to the USCG cutter U.S. Mojave. During his time on the Mojave he and others aided in the rescue of 293 members of the U.S. Navy. Post WWII he was called to serve in the US Army for the Korean War. After the Korean War, Sonny worked at Kelly AFB in San Antonio – Flight Test until he retired. He enjoyed woodworking and residential building activities for several years, and applied these skills in helping many relatives and friends. Sonny lived in San Antonio for 88 years before moving to Midland in 2009 to be close to his family. Sonny was baptized as a young man at the Pruitt Street Baptist Church in San Antonio and later in life attended Southeast Baptist Church in San Antonio. After moving to Midland he attended Main Street Church of Christ as long as his health allowed. On August 30, 1947, Sonny married Maxine B. Woodruff. They had one son Jeffrey L. Smith. Maxine passed on January 12, 2007. He was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, his parents, and younger brother, Jack. Sonny is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Jeff and Rae Smith of Midland, grandsons, Avery Smith of Round Rock, Texas and Steven Smith of Midland. He is also survived by his sister, Joyce Turner of San Antonio along with several beloved nieces and nephews. The family would like to offer a special thank you to the staff of Legacy Ranch Alzheimer's Special Care Center in Midland, Compass Hospice in Odessa, Texas; Denny and Nancy Smith of San Antonio, and many friends for all of their care and support. Visitation will be held on Friday, June 22, 2012 from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. at Mission Park Funeral Chapels South. Graveside services will be held on Saturday, June 23, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at Mission Burial Park South. The family requests that any memorials be sent to: Berean Children's Home, P.O. Box 1009, Brookhaven, MS 39602-1009. Bryan Briley from Midland will officiate the service. For personal acknowledgment you may sign the guest book at www.missionparks.com in the obituary section.