CDR Wayne Herbert Smith, USN (Ret.), 87, of Land O’ Lakes, formerly of Sun City Center, FL passed away on Thursday, January 22, 2009 at Baldomero Lopez State Veterans Nursing Home in Land O’ Lakes.
Born in Smith Center, Kansas, he moved to Florida in 1967. He retired as a US Navy pilot after 24 years of service. He was a veteran of WWII and Korea. After retiring from the Navy, he worked another 10 years in Civil Service for the Naval Training Equipment Center in Orlando, FL. As a civilian, his love of flying was further enhanced as a pilot instructor for the Navy Flying Club. He volunteered as an assistant Scout Master for the Boy Scouts. He was a member of Toastmasters, where he earned several awards, and was a volunteer with the Sun City Center Emergency Squad. He was an avid golfer and musician. As a young violinist, he played Concertmaster for his high school orchestra, and later played with the Sun City Center Orchestra.
Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Adelaide; a son, Robert of Tampa, FL; eight daughters: Donna Smith of Orlando, FL, Terrie Cumbie of Bend, OR, Maureen Calabrese of Westernport, MD, Janice Levenson of Huttonsville, WV, Anita Smith of Seattle, WA, ShirleyJean Baggerly, of Fairfax, VA, Diane Kautzmann of Camdenton, MO, and Karen Smith-Moretz of Ferrum, VA; a sister, Norma Blight of Sacramento, CA; 25 grandchildren and 35 great grandchildren.
Graveside services with full military honors will be held at 2 PM on Wednesday, January 28, 2009 at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell.
What a loss to your family, and our country! He was a great gentleman and a delight to know. Lots of fun memories there.
Please accept our deepest sympathy and know that you are in our prayers. Chili Thomasy also sends his condolences.