Major Charles W. Smyth, Jr., United States Air Force, Retired of Riverview, Florida, passed away Saturday, February 20, 2010 at LifePath Hospice House in Ruskin, FL. Major Smyth was a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) Class of 1964, First Squadron. Memorial Services will be held at Life Path Hospice House, 3723 Upper Creek Drive, Ruskin, FL 33573, at 4 pm on March 4, 2010. The funeral was held at the United States Air Force Academy Chapel at 11:00 AM on June 3, 2010 with full military honors provided by the Academy Honors Team. Burial will follow the chapel service at the USAFA Cemetery. The family received friends at the Chapel from 10:00 AM until service time.
Major Smyth was born on November 12, 1942 to parents Charles W. and Constance R. Smyth, and passed away on February 20, 2010 at Life Path Hospice House with his wife at his bedside. A native of Andover, MA, he entered the USAFA in June of 1960 and graduated in 1964 with a Bachelor of Science degree. Following graduation, he excelled in pilot training, earning an assignment as a fighter pilot. He was fortunate to stay active in tactical aviation for the remainder of his Air Force career. Major Smyth flew the F-4 C and G “Phantom II”, the RF-101 “VooDoo” and the F-105 “Thunderchief”. His tours of duty included Thailand, England, Germany and Korea as well as bases in California, Florida, Ohio, and Arizona, retiring from Shaw AFB, SC in 1984.
After graduating from the USAFA Advanced Safety management course, he served as Flight Safety Officer on several of his tours and was selected as the Wing Flight Safety Officer during his tour in Korea.
Major Smyth’s awards and decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross, Airman’s Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal (W/10 OLC), Air Force Commendation Medal, Presidential Unit Citation – Distinguished, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Combat Readiness Medal (W/3 Dev), and the Vietnam Service Medal (W/1 Dev). Major Smyth’s “Airman’s Medal” citation reads “On March 25, 1969, Captain Smyth was piloting a RF 101 aircraft which, just prior to landing, developed severe mechanical difficulties rendering it unfit to land and thereby forcing Captain Smyth to eject over a densely populated area. Prior to ejection, Captain Smyth successfully guided his aircraft to a safe crash area by a series of actions, which endangered his own life to such a degree that his survival was in great peril. By his courageous actions and humanitarian regard for his fellow man at the risk of his own life, Captain Smyth has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force”.
After his military retirement, Charles went to work for Policy Management Systems Company in Columbia, SC and then in 1987, moved to Riverview, Florida to become an F-16 simulator instructor at MacDill AFB. While working at MacDill AFB, he pursued a second degree, graduating with a Degree in Computer Science. When the F-16 Wing transferred to Luke AFB, AZ in the beginning of 1991, he accepted a position with GTE Data Services. Since leaving GTE, he has been active in several part-time business ventures.
Major Smyth is survived by his loving wife, Judith A. (Bauld) Smyth of Riverview, FL and one sister, Joan Clayton and her husband, William of Englewood, CO, niece Jennifer Clayton, nephew Daniel Clayton, Sister-in-law Jan Grant, ME, Brother-in-law John Bauld and wife Carol of MA and many other loving family members.
The family requests, that in lieu of flowers, to please make a donation to the Life Path Hospice House, 3723 Upper Creek Drive, Ruskin, FL 33573; the Fischer House, C/O James A. Haley VA Hospital, 13000 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL 33612 or the charity of your choice in the Memory of Major Charles W. Smyth Jr. – United States Air Force-Retired.
Veterans Funeral Care
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Our deepest sympathy to Chuck’s wife Judy and sister Joan and their families. With caring thoughts, Diane Clayton and Steve Metz
Judy and Joan, our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time.
May God’s peace surround you,
Ron and Linda Densmer (Joan’s walking buddy)
We were so sorry to learn of Chuck’s death. We know how much he meant to both Judy and Joan. Our prayers are with you. (Dinner group friends of Joan)
Kevin and I are so sorry to hear, we both went through “NRD” program at GTE with Chuck and it was a pleasure working with him. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
As an elementary and high school classmate of Joan’s, I knew Chuck but just in passing. I do recall when he returned from Nam, he visited with my dad, his old Boy Scoutmaster, briefly one evening at our house. I recalled being impressed, especially since Chuck was in his uniform, was a pilot, and been in action. He was one of my images of a real life hero, as I’m sure he was. I would have been even more impressed had I known he was also an Academy graduate.
A few years later out of college and ROTC I joined the Air Force myself and retired 24 years later. Never came across your husband again, but I wished I had. He accomplished some very difficult things. He applied, got accepted, and graduated from the Academy. He made it through pilot training, did some very courageous things as a fighter pilot (only the best became fighter jocks), and went on to serve his country very well I’m sure. Not that I need to tell you, but you should be tremendously proud of your husband.
Peter Shearston
Judy, Joan and family,
It saddened me to hear of Chuck’s passing. I had the opportunity to get to know Chuck during our NRD training at GTEDS and as our paths crossed as the result of various assignments. I was aware that he was retired USAF, but unaware of his accomplishments and honors. I know he always looked forward and never seemed to dwell on the past. He had a quiet dignity that spoke volumes. When asked, he offered advice, yet always seemed to remind us to enjoy the moment. He will be missed.
With my deepest sympathy,
Liz Hughes
Our deepest sympathy for Judy and Joan. Chuck was the most honorable man and dearest friend ever. God’s speed–