Francis Bert Smith

Francis Bert Smith, 96, of White Hall, passed away Friday, February 24, 2017, at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. Mr. Smith was born May 6, 1920, in Tensaw, Alabama, to Joseph Bates Smith and Fanny Bert Davis Smith. He was reared and received his education in Bay Minette, Alabama, where he graduated from high school in 1937. Mr. Smith joined the United States Army on September 12, 1940. He retired from the Army as Chief Warrant Officer, W-4 in 1974. Some of the highlights of his military career included: Assistant Adjutant General Office, Chief of Army Field Forces; Assistant Adjutant General, Continental Army Command; Assistant G-1 at Division level; Battalion Adjutant, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment; a Special Agent, United States Army Counterintelligence Corps. During the latter part of his career, he was responsible for development of the policy for security of all nuclear weapons in Germany, Greece, Turkey and British Forces of NATO. He also participated in protective missions for Presidents' Kennedy and Nixon, Queen of Britain, President of Indonesia and Japanese Prime Minister Eisaku Sato. During the Vietnam War, he worked as a counterpart/advisor to the Operations Officer at the highest level of South Vietnamese Army Counterintelligence. He retired as Commanding Officer of the Fort Campbell, Kentucky Field Office of Defense Investigative Services. He received many awards including the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star (M) with Oak Leaf Cluster, 13 campaign medals, and served in World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam. Mr. Smith was a member of Center Grove Methodist Church, where he taught Sunday School until January of this year. He was also a member of the Retired Military Officers Association and the Office of Military Association of America. Mr. Smith was an avid gardener who enjoyed growing azaleas and vegetables. He was also a prolific oil painter. He was an Assistant Scout Master from 1963 to 1974. He supported both of his sons to achieve the Eagle Scout rank. To show Mr. Smith's warm heart and kindness, he supported two children in Bangladesh through an organization that helps people who are in need. He is survived by his loving wife Robbie Smith of White Hall (whom he married August 5, 2004 in Pine Bluff); two sons, Gordon Smith of Fort Collins, Colorado and Paul A. Smith of Kapowsin, Washington; his daughter, Lisa Tighe of Dunedin, Florida; sister, Edith McGuire of Tensaw, Alabama; two step-daughters, Jamie Peacock of White Hall and Annelle Condray of Marco Island, Florida; three grandchildren, Chris Thompson of Woodlawn, Wesley Thompson of Hot Springs and Lana Smith of Illinois; and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter, Brenda Jean Thompson, two brothers, Joseph and Davis Smith, his first of wife, Dimple Fraley Smith, and his second wife, Odell Stokes Smith. Funeral services will be Monday, February 27, 2017, 2 p.m., in the Chapel of Ralph Robinson and Son with Reverend Jim Bacon officiating. Burial will be at Hardin Cemetery with military honors. Online condolences: www.ralphrobinsonandson.com.