Msgt Force (Ret.)

SAVANNAH, GEORGIA - MSgt Sam Ira Smith, U. S. Air Force (Ret.), 84, of Savannah, Georgia, husband of Hilda Bazemore Kelly Smith, died Wednesday evening, July 13, 2010, at St. Joseph's Hospital surrounded by his family.
Mr. Smith was born in Dante,Virginia, and was a longtime member of Windsor Forest Baptist Church. MSgt Smith retired as a Flight Engineer from the United States Air Force after 23 years of service. During his military career he served in World War II, the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War. He was a member of Ancient Landmark #231, F. & A. M., the Order of the Eastern Star, Palestine Chapter #249, and the Alee Shrine Temple. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Lessie Buchan Sammons Smith; two sons, Jerry Sammons and Teddy Sammons, and one grandson, Gregory Clifton Sammons.
Surviving are his wife of 17 years, Hilda Bazemore Kelly Smith of Savannah, Georgia; five grandchildren, Larry Sammons and his wife, Susan, Marsha Jividen and her husband, Barry, Jodi Graham, Rick Sammons and David Sammons; great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews, and two sisters, Betty Bowman and Pauline Inskeep.
The family will receive friends from 11 until 12:30 o'clock Friday at Gamble Funeral Service, 410 Stephenson Avenue.
The funeral service, with full military honors, will be held at 1 o'clock Friday afternoon at the mausoleum, Hillcrest Abbey Memorial Park - East, conducted by The Reverend Dr. James N. Staubes.
Remembrances:  Windsor Forest Baptist Church - 12521 White Bluff Road, Savannah, Georgia 31419 or a charity of the donor's choice.