EUGENE ABBOTT SMITH

Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Eugene Abbott Smith, 93, widower of Joyce Marie Huffines Smith, died on Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2021, at the home of his daughter and son-in-law, where he lived for the past six years.

Born in Madison, Tennessee, he was a son of the late James Arthur Smith and Esther Belle Abbott Smith. Col. Smith flew more than 200 combat missions, including five assignments to Southeast Asia where he flew B-47's and EB-66's. His decorations include 19 air medals and the Distinguished Flying Cross. He served in World War II, Korea and Vietnam. After retirement, he was a former teacher at St. Leo University and Sumter Area Tech and was also a former director of personnel at Tuomey Healthcare System.

Surviving are one daughter, Pamela Sue Talbott (Clayton); three sons, Roger Curtis Smith (Nancy), Eric Eugene Smith (Christina) and Steven Lewis Smith (Rachel); one sister, Joyce Hudgens; 13 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Cathy Gene Smith; four brothers, James Elmo "J.E.", Russell, Wesley and Hannum; and one sister, (Betty Ruth).

He will be missed by so many. As one of his grandchildren wrote, "My granddaddy was a father, war hero, comedian, child of God, leader and a friend. He wore many hats in his lifetime. He influenced many people and now he leaves many behind. I love you granddaddy and I miss you." We all will.

Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday at Evergreen Memorial Park cemetery with full military honors.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday at the home, 2811 Widgeon Way.

Memorials may be made to Healthy Living Senior Care & Services, 244 Church St., Suite A, Sumter SC 29150.

Online condolences may be made at www.sumterfunerals.com.

Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home & Crematory, 221 Broad St., Sumter, is in charge of the arrangements, (803) 775-9386.