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Claude 'C.B.' Smith Wink, TX Ponce Air Force Base, PR Kermit, TX QCWA # 19156 Chapter 156 |
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C. B. Smith of Kermit departed this life on Monday, July 21, 2008 at Hospice House in Odessa. Claude Brown Smith ("C.B.") was born on Saturday, December 4, 1915, in Coleman, Texas. His parents were Claude B. and Judiene Smith. Mr. Smith was married to Opal Smith in 1960, in Wink, Texas. They enjoyed many years together and especially enjoyed their annual deep-water fishing trips to the Pacific Ocean.
Mrs. Smith preceded Mr. Smith in departing from this life in 2004. Mr. Smith grew up on farms in Tulia and Electra, Texas. He graduated from Electra High School and graduated from Tyler College.
Mr. Smith enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1040 in Lubbock. He attained the rank of Staff Sergeant and remained in his country's service until the end of World War II, being discharged in 1945. He was stationed for many of his service years at Ponce Air Force Base in Puerto Rico. He also founded the Armed Forces Radio in Puerto Rico.
After World War II, Mr. Smith was employed by the Federal Aeronautics Administration for twenty-five years as an air-traffic controller. He retired from the FAA in the early 1970's.
One of Mr. Smith's fondest enjoyments was his "ham-rig" radio, a hobby he enjoyed from the age of 12. He is known world-wide by his call letters W5FLA.
Mr. Smith was a Baptist and a member of the American Legion.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Opal Smith; his parents, Judiene and Claude Smith, and a brother, Thomas J. Smith.
He is survived by a son: David A. Smith of Hot Springs, Arkansas and two step daughters: LaRue Moore and husband Jim Moore of Odessa, and Lois Coleman of Jarrett, TX.
Graveside services for will be 10:00 am, Thursday, July 24, 2008 at Kermit Cemetery, officiated by Brother Dudley Mullins. Services are entrusted to Family Services Funeral Parlor.
CB Smith, W5FLA, (SK) was the original operator on 7.195, and we all miss him greatly.
He was located in Kermit Texas. He anchored the frequency, and always had a good word for everyone.
He LOVED his coffee!
(Thanks to Pat, N5WVC for the photos!)
http://7195group.blogspot.com/p/w5fla-sk.html
