SFC Wade Mike Smith Sr., U.S. Army

SFC Wade Mike Smith, Sr., U.S. Army (Retired), age 78, was taken Home by the Lord on Saturday, March 7, 2026. He was born on January 12, 1948 in Salisbury, North Carolina.

Wade proudly served his country in the United States Army for 21 1/2 years, retiring as a Sergeant First Class (SFC E-7). He was a proud 3 tour Vietnam Veteran who carried a deep love for his country throughout his life.

A talented gunsmith and marksman, Wade enjoyed sharing his knowledge by teaching and training soldiers for marksmanship competitions in the military. He was also a sniper and master mechanic. He had a passion for motorcycles, loved spending time outdoors, and enjoyed dancing and singing little ditties. Known for his ability to fix just about anything, Wade was a man people could always count on.

He was a protector, a provider, and a kind-hearted man who would gladly give the shirt off his back to help someone in need. Wade also enjoyed playing the harmonica and was known for his sense of humor, always ready with a joke to make others smile. Wade loved animals, especially his beloved dogs, Winston and Millie. Above all, he treasured his family and wanted the best for them all.

He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his father, Burtie Smith; mother, Annie Williamson; stepmother, Louise Smith; brother, Hayden Smith; sister, Terry Smith; and brother-in-law, Dave Markle.

Wade is survived by his wife of over 26 1/2 years, Vesta Bullard Smith; children, Tammy Smith, Mike Smith (Josie), Stacy Tadlock (Hillary) and Eddie Wagner, IV (Katie); grandchildren, HM3 Justin Smith, USN, Ashton Smith, Allison Henry, Brittany Painter, Jeri Holder, Brooke Faircloth, Riccilyn Tadlock, Emily Wagner and Luke Wagner; great-grandchildren, Vanessa Henry, Kari Henry, Johanna Henry, Kristin Williams, Abby Williams and Maddie Boan; siblings, Phyllis Markle, Louise Mae Stlop, Debbie Predmore and Larry Smith; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Graveside services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on Friday, March 13, 2026 at the Georgia National Cemetery, Canton, GA. A funeral procession to honor Wade will assemble at Sosebee Funeral Home, escorted by the Patriot Guard, on Friday, March 13, 2026 at 12:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Arbor Day Foundation to replenish our trees at www.arborday.org.

Sosebee Funeral Home, Canton, GA is honored to serve the family of Wade Smith. Sosebeefuneralhome.com 770-479-2131