Floyd Smith

Floyd E. Smith, 85, of Grayslake, Illinois, died on Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at Vista Medical Center East in Waukegan. Floyd was born December 12, 1923 in McAlester, Oklahoma. He grew up in Oklahoma, became a fighter pilot in the Army-Air Corp during World War II and also served in Korea and Vietnam, ultimately serving 27 years in the Military, retiring in 1970 as a Lt. Colonel. Following his retirement in 1970, he became co-owner of the Outdoor Sportsman in Waukegan and retired in 1982. Floyd was an accomplished gunsmith which he enjoyed right up to his death. Floyd was also a longtime member of Lake County Baptist Church in Waukegan. Survivors include his children, Sharon (Peter) Vasiljevich of Winthrop Harbor, Carolyn Redding of Sebring, Florida and Floyd E. (Ellen) Smith Jr. of Lake Villa; six grandchildren, Justin Vasiljevich, Jennifer (Christopher) Williamson, Mistie Smith, Laura (Joseph) Ng, Amanda Smith and Natalie Smith; seven great-grandchildren, Mitchell, Emmalina, Benjamin, Sydney, Ethen, Kenneth and Savannah; two sisters, Verna Mae Fleming of Clarksville, Texas and Jeanne (Donald) Eiland of Humble, Texas; and many loving nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one brother, Billy Joe Smith; and his parents, Roy and Ila Smith. Visitation will be Saturday, April 4, 2009, from 1:00 until 3:00 p.m. at the CONGDON FUNERAL HOME, 3012 Sheridan Road, Zion, where a funeral service will follow at 3:00 p.m.. Rev. Ralph Warren officiating. Private interment will be held later at Ft. Sheridan Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Lake County Baptist Church have been suggested.