William Smith

William P. Smith, age 80, of Columbus, OH passed away on December 12, 2016 . He retired from the US Postal Service after 10 years service in 1998. He also worked as a restaurant consultant and franchisor representative. Previously retired from the US Air Force in 1974 after a 21 year career which included overseas service in Vietnam (MAGSOG), Korea (Pueblo Crisis in 1968), Iceland and England. His military honors included the Joint Service Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters and the Vietnam Staff Service Medal. The latter award was presented by the South Vietnamese Government. He graduated from Lorain High School in June 1953. He was a life member and twice Past Commander of Benson W. Hough Memorial VFW Post 3424, a life member of AMVETS Post 89 and a member of American Legion Post 144. Preceded in death by his mother Esther Burdette Smith of Liverpool WV and Lorain OH, son Gary S. Smith, former wife Patricia A. Smith (a native of Nottingham England), brother Robert of Kalamazoo Ml and Aunt Garnet Burdette of New Haven WV. He is survived by his daughter, Julia C. Smith; daughter-in-law, Tina; grandsons, Casey and Michael (Sarah) and their families; brother, Bevan (Fran) of Amherst OH; niece, Angela and nephews, Jeff, Chris, Tim, Adam and Darren and Jonathan Firth who are natives of England and sister-in-law, Carol of Kalamazoo Ml. Also survived by cousin, Gary Burdette and family of Point Pleasant WV and god-daughter Karen Bastie Tomlin of Ruislip Manor, Middx England. Friends may call at the O.R. Woodyard Funeral Home, 1346 S. High St, Columbus on Thursday, December 15, 2016 from 4-8 p.m. where services will be held on Friday, December 16, 2016 at 11:30 a.m. Interment to follow with military honors at Franklin Hills Memorial Gardens, Lithopolis OH. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made in his honor to an animal humane organization of your choice.