Gene Smith

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Richard Eugene Smith, Jr. (Gene), of West Point, MS. He was called home to the Lord on January 16, 2026 at the age of 90. Gene was a man of unwavering faith, a decorated veteran, and a cornerstone of his family and community. Born on January 17, 1935, in Marks, MS, and grew up in Tunica, where he earned the rank of Eagle Scout at the age of 13. He was commissioned through the Air Force ROTC program at Mississippi State University and began active duty in September 1956. After completing a rigorous training program, he was awarded his pilot wings in October 1962. After completing F-102 Delta Dagger Combat Crew Training, Capt. Smith served with the 82nd FIS at Travis AFB, California, from June 1963 to January 1965, and then with the 496th FIS at Hahn AB, West Germany, from January 1965 to February 1967. He finished F-105 Thunderchief Combat Crew Training in July 1967, then joined the 333rd Tactical Fighter Squadron at Takhli Royal Thai AFB.

On October 25, 1967, during his 33rd combat mission over North Vietnam, his plane was shot down and he ejected. He was captured as a prisoner of war and for the next five and a half years endured brutal captivity including time in the infamous Hanoi Hilton. After spending 1,967 days in captivity, Maj. Smith was released during Operation Homecoming on March 14, 1973. His hardship, endurance, bravery and faithfulness in God was evident as he spoke numerous times across the country about putting God, country and family above self. His deep love for God was the foundation of his character and carried him through his five-and-a-half-year imprisonment in North Vietnam.

For his exceptional bravery and leadership, Col. Smith was the recipient of two purple hearts, the Silver Star, the Distinguished Flying Cross with Valor, the Bronze Star with Valor and the Air Medal. He remained characteristically humble about these honors, preferring to speak of the camaraderie and the values of duty and sacrifice. Col. Smith retired from the US Air Force on July 31, 1978, after roles including Operations Officer and Director of Operations at the 14th FTW at Columbus Air Force Base. Post-retirement, he was Executive Director of Golden Triangle Regional Airport (1979–1999), National President (1994–1996), and Chairman of the Board (1996–1998) of the Air Force Association. The enduring legacy of Richard E. Smith, Jr., is honored through his memorial at the Columbus Air Force Base Smith Ceremonial Plaza and Veterans Memorial in Tupelo, MS. Gene lived a life full of love, laughter, and purpose. His life was anchored by an unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. A long-time member of First Presbyterian Church in West Point, MS, where he served as an Elder Emeritus. He was gifted with a wonderful bass voice and sang frequently at his church. He was an excellent golfer who was able to drive the ball as far as men half his age. He especially loved local fishing and fishing for redfish in Empire, Louisiana, with many friends and family members. He loved his alma mater, Mississippi State University, and could be found in maroon gear every day. The Smith Family Courtyard, dedicated in 2023, on campus is named in his honor. Above all, Gene treasured the time he was able to spend with his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Though Gene mourned the loss of his first wife, Rae who passed away in 2003, he was blessed to find love again with Lynn Crowe Smith, with whom he shared twenty-two years of faith-filled marriage. He is also survived by his children and their spouses, Kelly Lucas (George) of Winchester, TN, Rick Smith (Pam) of Litchfield, AZ, Stacy Kellum (Steve) of Huntsville, AL, Stacey Miears (Doug) of Houston, TX and Erin Holland (Kevin) of Houston, TX. His grandchildren, Cole Smith (Sara), Owensboro, KY, Justin Sloat (Molly), Nashville, TN, Tyler Sloat (Grace),Cookville, TN, Drew Kellum (Lauren), Huntsville, AL, Alexandra Kellum, Huntsville, AL, Christina Crossnine, Huntsville, AL, Harper and Grant Holland, Houston, TX, and Taylor Lucas (Brittnie), Maryville, TN, Austin Lucas, Winchester, TN, and seven great grandchildren – Zane, Kade, Penelope Rae, Blakely, Kyler, Yahstorah and Judah.

Visitation will be held 3-6 PM at First Presbyterian Church, West Point, MS on Thursday January 22, 2026. A Celebration of Life service for Gene will be held 10 AM Friday January 23, 2026 at the church with Rev. Brandon Bates officiating. Interment will follow in Marks Cemetery in Marks, MS with full military honors. Family and friends are invited to gather, share memories, and honor a remarkable life well lived.

The family is so very grateful for the outpouring of love that has been shown to the family and the extraordinary care that was provided by his medical and caregiver team. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be sent to The First Presbyterian Church PO Box 366 West Point, MS 39773 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital PO Box 1000 Dept. 42 Memphis, TN 38105.

2 Timothy 4:7-8 (ESV) “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.”