Friends of the late John B. Smith, 79, may call on the family between 6 and 8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 9, at the Bennie Smith Funeral Home, 717 W. Division St., Dover.

Mr. Smith died suddenly Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009, at Bayhealth-Kent General Hospital, Dover.
Born June 23, 1930, in Bestland, Va., he was the son of the late John Lewis Smith and Estelle Sparks Smith.

Mr. Smith enlisted in the U.S. Air Force on Sept. 22, 1953, and throughout his career was stationed at several bases both in the United States and throughout the world. He served his country under seven presidents, retiring as a chief master sergeant at Norton Air Force Base, San Bernadino, Calif., after 30 years and eight days service.

It was at Forbes AFB, Topeka, Kans., he met and married Travies J. Berryman on Aug. 12, 1956.

Mr. Smith was a founding member of the Home of the Brave veterans shelter, and served the local community at Kent-Sussex Industries. He contributed to local charities and volunteered for Meals on Wheels for several years.

He enjoyed watching television programs concerning wildlife, history and nature, traveling with his wife and children, and was very fond of ocean cruises. He was devoted to and was well loved by his family.

In addition to his wife, Mr. Smith is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Rodney and Judy Smith; and three daughters and their husbands, Anita and Ralph Robinson, Michele and Nelson Pachot and Kimberly and Corinthian Cuffee.

He also is survived by his grandchildren, Jason Robinson, Cristina Pachot, Alyssa Pachot, Christopher Smith and Alanna Smith; and a brother and sister-in-law, Spurgeon L. and Emma H. Smith, of Howerston, Va.

Interment with full military honors will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10, at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Bear.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Mr. Smith’s name may be made to the Home of the Brave Foundation, 6632 Sharps Road, Milford, DE 19963-1830.