Dewey Smith, Jr.

Dewey Smith, Jr., son of the late Dewey Smith, Sr. and Joanna (Spears) Smith, was born November 22, 1921 in Wadesboro, Anson County, North Carolina where he grew up and attended school. On May 15, 1937, Dewey was united in marriage to Mary Lee Tarlton in Wadesboro, North Carolina. They shared over 72 years of marriage together and were blessed with six children: Peggy Jean, Shirley Ann, Dewey III, Sidney Dewon, Maynette and Joyce Lee. At the age of 22, Dewey joined the United States Army and served his country until his retirement on August 31, 1968 after 23 years of faithful service. He served his country during World War II, Vietnam and the Korean Conflict. For his faithful service, Dewey earned several awards and commendations; some of which include: Korean Service Medal with 3 Bronze Service Stars, Purple Heart, EAME Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal (Oak Leaf Cluster), Army of Occupation Medal (Germany), Good Conduct Medal (5th Award), Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, along with several other awards and badges. At one point during his military career, Dewey was pronounced as Missing in Action. He was MIA for 10 months, but Mary never gave up and continued to write him letters every day. After retiring from the military, Dewey worked as a ticket agent with the Greyhound Bus Lines from 1968 – 1971. From 1973 – 1980, he worked as a manager for the Trailways Bus Lines and then worked for two years for Champlin Truck Stop until he retired again in 1982. Dewey was a member of the Waynesville Masonic Lodge #375 AF & AM. In his spare time, Dewey enjoyed being outdoors working in the yard with his wife. He spent a lot of time with his youngest son talking about cars and worked on them every chance they could. Most importantly, he treasured those times spent with his family, especially his grandchildren and was always willing to share stories with others about them. Dewey passed away at 1:05 P.M. Sunday, August 30, 2009 in the University of Missouri Hospital and Clinics of Columbia, Missouri at the age of 87 years, 9 months and 8 days. Dewey will be sadly missed but fondly remembered by his wife, Mary Smith of the home; four children: Peggy Jean Davis of Leesburg, FL, Shirley Ann Wedgeworth of Shreveport, LA, Dewey Smith III of Tallahassee, FL and Sidney Dewon Smith of St. Robert, MO; 14 grandchildren; numerous great and great-great grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, Dewey was preceded in death by two daughters: Maynette Malley (2001) and Joyce Lee Coombes (1960); two sisters: Elsie Coley and Kathleen Hildreth; and one grandson: Dewey DeWayne Smith (2009). Funeral services were held at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, September 2, 2009 in the Westside Baptist Church of Waynesville with Rev. John Shaw and Rev. Lindell Shelden officiating. The songs “Wind Beneath My Wings” and “On the Road Again” were played. Pianist Mary Lou Long played the prelude and postlude. Serving as escorts were the United States Army. Burial with military honors and Masonic Rites followed in the Sunset Memorial Estates Cemetery. Military honors were provided by the United States Army of Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Masonic Rites were performed by the Waynesville Masonic Lodge #375 AF & AM of Waynesville, Missouri. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Dewey Smith, Jr. to the Masonic Home of Missouri and may be left at Memorial Chapels and Crematory.

Dewey Smith, Jr.

November 22, 1921 - August 30, 2009