Sammie Lee Smith, Sr.

Sammie Lee Smith, Sr. was born on April 20, 1945, in Miley, Hampton County, South Carolina, to the late Samuel Smith and Sarah Jane Shaw Smith. After the passing of his father at a young age, Sammie was shaped by the strength of his mother and the bond of his siblings. He held fond memories of his time in Pembroke, Georgia, where he spent formative years with his cousin, Lettie Stewart. Sammie attended Northwestern Junior High School and Northwestern High School before later completing his GED and pursuing college-level coursework.

In 1964, he enlisted in the United States Army. During the Vietnam era, he served as a Combat Engineer with Company C, 326th Engineer Battalion (Airborne), 101st Airborne Division, and later with Company A, 8th Engineer Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division. Over the course of his military career, he advanced to the ranks and ultimately attained the rank of Sergeant (E-5).

His military decorations include the Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal (with Oak Leaf Cluster), Army Good Conduct Medal (Second Award), Vietnam Service Medal with three Bronze Service Stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, Kuwait Liberation Medal, Parachutist Badge, and numerous additional service ribbons. He later served on active duty during Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm and was recognized as a 100% Service-Connected Disabled United States Army Veteran.

Following his military service, Sammie obtained training and certifications in security and protective services, painting, brick masonry, electronics, refrigeration, engineering support, dental assistant, and computer systems. He was truly a jack of all trades with strong work ethics. His smile could light up any room, and he never met a stranger.

Sammie was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Daisy Mae Sheppard-Smith; his parents; his siblings, Barbara Smith Davis, Tenny Rudolph Smith, Sr., Wilson Rivers and Joe Rivers; and others who have gone before him.

He leaves to cherish his memory his children, Audrey Garrison (Mark), Timothy A. Mason (Vivian), Sammie L. Smith, Jr. (Cynthia), Lisa Smith Benton, Patrice M. Wright, Keli A. Sanders, Stephen A. Smith (Alexandria), Jonathan P. Smith (LaTonya), James H. Smith (Wanesa), and Elizabeth A. Smith, along with other children who survive him. He is also survived by his siblings, Jereline Washington, James Smith, and Jennett Joseph; sister-in-law, Anetta Smith; and a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

A man of steadfast faith, Sammie firmly believed in repentance, baptism in the name of Jesus Christ, holy living, and continuing in apostolic doctrine. Though we mourn his passing, we do not grieve without hope, trusting in the promise that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.

Sarah L. Carter's Funeral Home Northside is serving the Family.

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