This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: Megaloff Surnames: Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.texas.counties.bexar/2723.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Smith worked at Kelly AFB San Antonio Express-News - Saturday, April 30, 1994 Arthur L. "Smitty" Smith worked at the Special Weapons Directorate at Kelly AFB for 21 years. Smith began work at the department warehouse as a tractor-trailer operator in 1955 and was promoted to foreman in 1962. Supervising about 12 workers, he monitored the inventory of heavy equipment. His work was recognized with numerous awards, including one for suggesting a new lifting part that saved the base $1,000. Smith, 72, died Tuesday of liver cancer diagnosed just three weeks ago. "He passed away peacefully. He didn't have any pain on his face," said his son, Chester Arthur Smith. He said his father was hospitalized for the first time with the illness that claimed his life. "He was never sick throughout his lifetime," the son recalled. Smith was born Sept. 14, 1921, in Canton, Ill., to Chester A. Smith and Gertrude Spiker Smith. He was raised in a farming community in Blandinsville, Ill., where he went to grade school. Smith was proud of his youthful academic career, especially a certificate he received in 1930 for 100 perfect spelling lessons. Smith joined the Army Air Corps in 1941. He was a truck driver, hauling bombs and other supplies during World War II. He was honorably discharged at Fort Sam Houston on Nov. 16, 1945. He married Lenora Agnes Jenkins in March of 1943 and the couple had one son. They divorced after 18 years of marriage and later remarried before divorcing again. She died in 1971. Smith also was married to Ruth Smith and Melba Farris. Both unions ended in divorce. Smith worked in construction near Odessa, where he built pump stations. He also worked for Latex Construction Company, as a driver for the Atomic Energy Commission, and as a railroad carman. When Smith was about 50, he enrolled in a home course and received his GED in 18 months. "It made him really proud," his son said. "He completed it with good grades." After his retirement from Kelly AFB, Smith enjoyed growing tomatoes, okra, squash, peppers, radishes and beans. "He would work in the garden almost every day," his son said. "He lived a very full life. He is the greatest man I've ever known." In addition to his son, other survivors include two sisters, Kathryn Townsend of Davenport, Iowa, and Ardith Flynn of Richland, Mo.; a brother, Raliegh J. Smith of Jamaica, N.Y.; and one grandchild. Visitation is scheduled for noon Saturday. Funeral services are set for 9:30 a.m. Monday at Mission Park Funeral Chapels South. Burial will follow in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.area deaths obituary Page: 8F Record Number: 162438 Copyright 1994, 2002 San Antonio Express-News Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.