~~ Life's Epitome~~

TSGT U.S. Air Force Retiree Oscar C. Smith age 89, of Whitewright ascended to his heavenly home Sunday, August 13th at The Cottage in Denison following an extended illness.

O. C. was born October 20, 1933, to the parentage of Lewie & Cecilia Smith in Ivanhoe, Texas. He had four siblings, Mary Jo, John, Mabel, & Earl. He attended Wolfe City Public School, Texas A&M University, and Grayson County College.

At the age of 15 O. C. joined the U.S. Army from 1948-1951, serving in Guam, Korea, & Japan. Wounded twice he earned the Purple Heart & a Silver Star with 2 Clusters. Hence "Conspicuous Gallantry". After leaving the Army for 10 days on the 11th day he joined the U.S. Air Force serving in England, Taiwan, Philippines, & Viet Nam earning a Bronze Star.

O. C. married Tommie Patterson August 3, 1952, and enjoyed 58 wonderful years before her death. To this union 4 children were born, Shirley Ballard, Deborah Wilson, Stanley Smith (Teresa) & Kaye Smith-Greenwood. Grandchildren: Jason Ballard, Shirhonda Benjamin, Rodney Wilson Jr. (Michelle), Kymberly Smith, Mallory Smith, John Jenkins, Ashlyn Jenkins, Skylar Greenwood, Great Grandchildren: Grayson Ballard, Madison Ballard, Ryan Benjamin, Alyssa Benjamin, Kennedy Benjamin, Saige Ballard, Rodney Ballard, Lewis Smith, Daxtyn Greenwood, Great-Great Grandchild: Preston Lewis. And a host of nieces, nephews, family & friends.

O. C. retired from the Military after twenty-two years. He then retired from the U.S. Veterans Administrations and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Affiliations – He was a lifetime member of the VFW and American Legion. He began his career eighty years ago as a DeMolay. The high point of it was becoming a thirty third degree Grand Inspector General in 1991 . He was a member of the Polar Star Lodge #33 Denison Consistory 191, Zaphir Shrine Temple #237. Margaret O. Sample Chapter 34 Order of Eastern Star. O. C. was on the Board of Directors of Whitewright Public Library and member of the NAACP. O. C. was affiliated with the Western Beauty CME Methodist Church

O. C. loved and spent quality time with his family, was active in his community, an avid fisherman, domino player and coffee drinker. A highly respected man who will leave a long legacy of success and admiration to his family and will be greatly missed by all that knew him.

A public visitation will be Friday, August 18th from 2 P.M. to 8 P.M. With the family present beginning at 6:00 PM at Waldo Funeral Home.

The funeral service will be Saturday, August 19th at 11 A.M. at First Baptist Church, 201 W. Walnut St., Whitewright with Rev. Dave Bradley as the Host Pastor and Rev. Robert Jackson delivering the eulogy.  Burial will follow at Oakhill Cemetery with military and masonic graveside rites.

Arrangements have been entrusted to James E. Smith and the professionals of Waldo Funeral Home.  You may sign the online guestbook at waldofuneralhome.com.