Retired Colonel Jeremy F. Smith

Retired Colonel Jeremy F. Smith, 82, of Blytheville, passed away Sunday, Feb. 5, 2023, at Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro.

He was born in Pullman, Wash., to Jasper and Emily Lobdell Smith and was a member of Gosnell Baptist Church. Colonel Jeremy F. Smith retired from the United States Air Force in May of 1989 after 27 years of active duty service. He was a pilot with over 5,300 flying hours with 1,100 hours in combat in Vietnam. His duty assignments included Chief of Flight Standardization, Aircrew Scheduling, KC-135 Squadron Operations Officer and Commander, SAC Wing Director of Operations and Wing Vice Commander. Col. Smith flew nine different military aircraft to include the B-52, KC-135, C-130, C-141, C-5A and KC-10. He received many military decorations including the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross with one oak leaf cluster, Air Medal with six oak leaf clusters, Vietnam Service and Campaign medals and the Meritorious Service Medal.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 46 years, Mary Ann Smith; and brother, Jeffrey Smith.

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather!

Ret. Col. Smith is survived by his children, J.F. Smith and his wife Rhonda of Gosnell, Melissa Quearry and her husband Danny of Gosnell and Todd Smith and his wife Angela of Jonesboro; grandchildren, Matthew Smith (Kim), Steven Smith (Halie), Cristina Sellers, Kelly Sellers (Jordan), Megan Sellers, Anna Smith, Sean Smith and Blake Smith; great-grandchildren, Adilyne, Logan, Jordyn and Waylen; twin brother, Jonathan Smith of New York City, N.Y.; and sister, Diana Smith of Woodbury, Conn.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, Feb. 12, at 2 p.m. in the Cobb Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Eddie Clemons and Rev. Steven Blaney officiating. Burial will follow in Dogwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until service time at Cobb Funeral Home. The family requests any memorials be made to Pilots for Christ, 204 South 7th Street, Paragould, AR 72450. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.cobbfuneralhome.com.