ELVIN TEMPLE (E.T.) SMITH, JR, of New Smryna Beach, FL, passed away January 31 ^st at home with the care of Hospice and wonderful caregivers.  He was born in Watertown, NY, on October 29, 1943.   He grew up in Danville, VA, until 5 ^th grade, when he moved to Halifax, VA.  E.T. attended Halifax County High School, Clemson University, receiving a BS in mechanical engineering, and the University of Alabama, receiving a master's degree in mechanical engineering.

ROTC at Clemson resulted in ten years of military service in the US Army.  During his military service he was assigned a tour in Korea, a tour in Vietnam with the 1 ^st Infantry Division and attended Command and General Staff College.  He was awarded numerous medals for his service to include the Bronze Star and retired as a Major in 1976.

Professionally, E.T.  spent most of his career with Aeroquip-Vickers Corp./Trinova headquartered in Maumee, OH.  His job allowed him to travel the world and to meet and make lifetime friendships.  E.T. was an inspiration to those that knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his parents Ruth Clark Smith and Elvin Temple Smith, Sr., and by his sister-in-law, Lorene Womble Gilliam, all of Halifax, VA.

E.T. was a beloved husband, father and grandfather.  He is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 60 years, Katherleen (Katty) DeJarnette Smith, his son, Brandon Lee Smith (Rebecca) of Marietta, GA, his daughter Christianna Romaker (Dean) of New Smyrna Beach, FL, grandson, Joshua Romaker, of Findlay, OH, granddaughter Katelynn Romaker Kitzler (Clayton) of Fowlerville, MI, and granddaughter Alyssa Martinez of Marietta., nephew Mark Womble (Heather), of Clays Mill, VA, and niece, Camye Womble, of Raleigh, N.C.

The family will gather for a military graveside service with honors at an undetermined date at the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery, Mims, FL.

Memorial donations may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation (t2t.org) or mail to:

2361 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10306.