Dwain A. Smith

Lieutenant Colonel Dwain A. Smith (United States Air Force), 79 years old of St. Augustine, Florida, passed away surrounded by his family on October 3, 2017, of complications from pneumonia. He was born in Doerun, Georgia on October 21, 1937, and moved to Jacksonville, Florida with his family as a young boy. He was a graduate of Andrew Jackson High School and the University of Florida where he obtained his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. Dwain began serving his country in 1953 with the Florida Air National Guard (FLANG), ultimately achieving the rank of Major before retiring in 1984. He would then go on to serve in the United States Air Force Reserves (USAF) from 1984 to 1997, retiring a Lieutenant Colonel. His civilian career began after graduating from the University of Florida (UF) with Bell South. In 1978 Dwain became a registered Professional Engineer with the State of Florida. In his position as Senior Engineer with Bell South, he helped usher the company into the digital world. During this time, Dwain was an active member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE), where he was awarded the Centennial Medal for Extraordinary Achievement in 1984. He retired from Bell South in 2002, but continued his passion for technology and continuing education in his private life and maintained his Professional Engineers license throughout his retirement.Throughout both his military and professional careers, Dwain was often recognized for technical merit and humanitarian reasons. During his service to his country, Dwain received the State of Florida Commendation Medal for Meritorious Achievement in 1974 with the Florida Air National Guard. After joining the USAF, he was awarded the United States Air Force Commendation Medal in 1984. In 1985, he was awarded the Outstanding Individual Mobilization Officer of the Year and the United States Air Force Meritorious Service Medal in 1989.Two of his most significant recognitions were awarded after saving a neighbors son from drowning in the family pool. In 1975, Dwain received the Theodore N. Vail Award for Noteworthy Public Service from Bell South and later, the Florida Telephone Association Humanitarian Award. But if you asked him, his greatest achievement was winning the hand of his beautiful, loving wife Marion Turner. They were married for over 59 years.Dwain and Marion were married at Franklin Street Baptist Church in July 1958. The following year, they welcomed their first child, Kathy, in August 1959. In May 1963, Rick completed the family. While working for FLANG, Dwain decided to further his education & career opportunities. He graduated in 1972 from UF and has since been an avid Gator. After graduation, he moved the family to Hollywood where he began his career at Bell South. Dwain and Marion remained in Hollywood until 2010 when they moved to St. Augustine.Dwain was preceded in death by: mother, Addie Lee Willis Smith; father, Lannis Oren Smith; brother, Floyd Smith; sister, Glenda Smith Sprouse; and sister, Sandra Smith. He is survived by his wife, Marion Turner Smith, daughter, Kathy Smith of Fort Lauderdale, son, Rick Smith (Holly Peterson) of Saint Petersburg, and brother, Charles Smith (Carol Lewis) of Jacksonville.Visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. on October 10, 2017, at George H. Hewell and Son Funeral Home, located at 4140 University Blvd. South in Jacksonville. A chapel service will follow at 11:00 a.m. officiated by Dr. Terry Gore of Franklin Street Baptist Church. The funeral procession will begin at noon to the Jacksonville National Cemetery where Lt. Colonel Dwain Smith will be laid to rest with full military honors. The Jacksonville National Cemetery is located at 4083 Lannie Road in Jacksonville. The committal service will begin promptly at 1:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please send your love donations to the charity of your choice in memory of Lt. Col. Dwain Smith..VisitationTuesday, October 10, 201710:00 AM - 11:00 AM Chapel of George H. Hewell and Son Funeral Home4140 University Blvd., So.Jacksonville, FL 32216FuneralTuesday, October 10, 201711:00 AM Chapel of George H. Hewell and Son Funeral Home4140 University Blvd., So.Jacksonville, FL 32216GravesideTuesday, October 10, 201701:30 PM Jacksonville National Cemetery4083 Lannie RoadJacksonville, FL 322184140 University Blvd S Jacksonville, FL 32216 f: 904-739-81594747 Main St N Jacksonville, FL 32206 f: 904-353-0763