Homer Smith Obituary

Homer Earl Smith FURMAN, SC - Homer Earl Smith, H. E., passed away peacefully on June 2nd, 2016 at 78 years of age, in Goodyear, Arizona. Homer was born in Furman, South Carolina on May 31st, 1938 to Marjorie Brown Smith and Earl Smith. Homer was the oldest of 11 children. Homer left high school to enlist in the Army and helped to support his family and younger siblings. He said, "I'm a good man and they needed a few good men." He was a loving supportive family man and was always so proud of his mother and siblings. His surviving siblings include: Jerry Smith and his wife Lee Ann of Orangeburg, South Carolina, Madeline Griffin of Pensacola, Florida, Dorothy Wally and her husband Sherryl of Branchville, South Carolina, Margie Sherrod of Atlanta, Georgia, Shirley Hammond of Dandridge, Tennessee, Marilyn Cooke of Barnwell, South Carolina and Marsha Floyd Beasley and her husband Lamar of Barnwell, South Carolina. He was preceded in death by his sister, Nell Monteleone; his brother, Francis Marion Smith; and one grandson, Max Nelson Smith. While stationed in Germany, Homer met and married Helga Peterman Trinka from 1966 to 1977. They had two sons, Michael Smith and Steve Edward Smith, who both followed in their father's footsteps by serving in the military. Homer had five grandchildren: Connor Michael Smith, Anthony Christopher Miller, and Tristan Hans Smith from his son Michael, and Max Nelson Smith and Josie Marie Smith from his son Steve. He also has two daughter-in-laws, Mindy Smith and Angela Smith. Homer had a distinguished career lasting for 29 years in the Army. He served his country proudly in Korea and the Vietnam War. He was stationed around the world but spent the majority of his career in Germany. Assignments included Platoon Sergeant in the 9th Infantry Division in Vietnam, where he earned a bronze star and Combat Infantry Badge, Company First Sergeant in the 1st Infantry Division and 4th Infantry Division, Armor Battalion Sergeant Major in the 8th Infantry Division, and Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Army Reserves and National Guard in North Carolina. He retired as a Sergeant Major in 1984. After his retirement, he enjoyed socializing with other vets at the VFW. Everyone around Homer knew he loved his family and his friends. We would like to thank everyone for their friendship, love, support, and prayers. Funeral services will be held Friday, June 10th at 2:00 PM in the Nixville Baptist Church, conducted by Rev. Paul Creason, with burial and reception immediately following. Peeples-Rhoden Funeral Home of Hampton is in charge of arrangements. Visitation will begin Friday at 12:00 noon, prior to services in the church. In lieu of flowers, the family gratefully requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association (alz.org). Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston