Robert Pierson Smith, of Tullahoma, passed this life on Friday, April 25th, 2014 at his residence at the age of 90.
He was the son of the late Katherine Smith Heinz and Ray Smith and step-son of the late Bill Heinz of Ottawa, IL. He was preceded in death by his wife, Martha Parsons Smith and his son, Robert Parsons Smith.
Mr. Smith leaves five daughters, Cindy (George) Garland of Lyles, TN, Leanne (Tom) Butchko of Franklin, TN, Melanie (Harlan) Smith-Howard of Nashville, Nancy (Tim) Maroney of Nashville, and Amy (Jeff) Bethurum of Franklin, TN; and one sister, Dorothy (Clarence) Sloter of San Diego, CA. He also leaves eight grandchildren Lisa Glenn, Leslie Maus, Beth Valdovinos, Brad Garland, Kymberly Armstrong, Shannon Butchko, Matthew Maroney and Carothers Bethurum; and seven great-grandchildren Alexandra Glenn, Lydia Valdovinos, Brylee Armstrong, Caylinn Armstrong, Jade Hibpshman, Houston Valdovinos, and Maddux Armstrong.
R.P. served his country proudly in the United States Army in World War II, including time with the Division of Camp Forrest, Tennessee, where he met Martha. He also served in Camp Edwards, Massachusetts, Camp Carrabelle, Florida, Fort Ord and Camp Roberts, California, Townsville, Australia and New Guinea. He also served in the Philippines and Palawan Island. The Army recalled him for duty in Korea in September 1950, where he arrived at Wonsan Harbor on Christmas Day, 1952. There, he served as Medical Aide on nightly infantry patrols. He tended to the wounded and assured that any dead were returned to U.S. lines. He returned to the U.S. via Alaska. He was still on furlough when he accepted a job producing motion pictures at AEDC, where he thoroughly enjoyed a 30-year career at Arnold Engineering Development Center and retired in 1983. After his retirement, he was very active with the 532nd EBSR (Engineer Boat and Shore Regiment) Veteran Group.
Visitation for Mr. Smith will be held on Wednesday, April 30th, 2014 at Kilgore Funeral Home from 11:00 am-1:00 pm with the funeral to immediately follow at 1:00 pm in the Kilgore Funeral Home Chapel with Chad Conn officiating.
Interment will follow at Rose Hill Memorial Gardens with military honors.
Donations in R.P.’s memory may be made, in lieu of flowers, to the Meals on Wheels Program at 410 North Collins Street, Tullahoma, Tennessee 37388.
Kilgore Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.