Melvin Smith died Aug. 22.
Born Sept. 24, 1920, he was a son of Harry and Ida Opal Smith. He married Margaret Pierson on Dec. 19, 1941, and she died in 1988. He married Be Jo Turner on June 24, 1989, and she died of Alzheimer's disease in 2010.
He was also preceded in death by a daughter, Cynthia Ray, born in 1943, who died in '44.
Mr. Smith graduated from Pinnell High School in 1938 and was drafted to serve in World War II in '42. He served as a U.S. Army paratrooper in the 11th Airborne, 187th Parachute Infantry, and earned the Bronze Star for Meritorious Achievement in ground combat in the Pacific Theater.
He worked as an operating engineer for Glen Roy Construction until his retirement in 1982. He and his first wife then traveled the United States in their travel trailer. He and his second wife had wintered in Sebring, Fla.
Mr. Smith enjoyed attending Airborne veterans' reunions, gardening, and building and fixing things. He was an avid sports enthusiast, particularly following IU basketball and the racing career of Jeff Gordon.
Survivors include children Vicki (Larry) Ebert of Danville, Douglas (Caroline) Smith of Meridian, Miss., and Jeffery (Jamie) Smith of Lebanon; grandchildren Lisa McCoy, Melissa DalCorobbo, Matthew Masariu, Angie Roell, Emily Brescher, Kory Berkhardt, Jessica Berkhardt, Robbie Berkhardt, Savanna Smith, Melani Macy, and Lori Ashby; and 15 great-grandchildren.
Services were Saturday at David A. Hall Mortuary in Pittsboro.
Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, 3816 Paysphere Circle, Chicago, IL 60674.
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