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Colonel Lloyd F. Smith, better known as Smitty by colleagues and friends, passed away on December 29, 2010. He fought a courageous battle against a powerful foe and he did it with dignity and an indomitable and positive spirit. He passed into Gods Hand at home. He died in Peace. Colonel Smith was born in Latour, Missouri on May 22, 1929 where he spent his youth and attended school. He joined the Air Force in 1947 and served a tour of duty in the enlisted ranks as a small arms instructor. In 1953 he joined the Air Force Reserves at Brooks Air Force Base in San Antonio and the fledgling unit that was to become the inimitable 433rd Alamo Wing. Smith came to the wing as a Master Sergeant and received a direct commission as 1st Lieutenant in 1965. Colonel Smith served in administrative and leadership positions, including Executive Officer of the Unit, during his 36 distinguished years with the Wing. In 1980, he achieved the rank of Colonel and assumed the post of Deputy Commander for Resources. He was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal and Legion of Merit for his outstanding and dedicated service for his part in helping make the 433rd the premier unit it became. The Wings giant C-5 aircraft and crews now fly missions worldwide in support of our countrys military and humanitarian needs. And he was proud of that, for himself and primarily for his people. Lloyd enjoyed traveling, visiting family and organizing reunions for the 921st Military Airlift Group. He particularly relished attending his Friday Morning Prayer Group for many years. Colonel Smith was preceded in death by his loving wife, Dora. He is survived by his children, Sandra Bleakney and her husband, Phillip, Robert Smith and his wife Diane, Margie Bryson and her husband Thomas, Rosemary Smith, Jim Smith and companion Bob Miller, Frances Deane and her husband Dave; and his two sisters, Pat Kelley and Shirley Ballew. He will also be missed by his numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren who lovingly knew him as Pee Paw and Grandpa Lloyd. Services Visitation will begin Monday, January 3, 2011 at 5:00 p.m. with a rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m. at Mission Park Funeral Chapels South. Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, January 4, 2011 at 9:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery with full military honors.

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Colonel Lloyd F. Smith

May 22, 1929 - December 29, 2010