America has lost another hero. (Retired) Major Watty Noble Smith, 80, of Etowah, passed away Friday, May 19, 2017 at Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga, TN.

Born in Crawfordsville, AR, Watty was a resident of Etowah, TN for the past forty-seven years. He is preceded in death by his father, Walter Noble Smith; his mother, Margaret Perry Smith; and his sisters Mary Smith and JoAnn Smith.

He was a graduate of Palestine High School in Palestine, AR. He enlisted in the military, where he served two tours in Vietnam. He was in the Army's 25th Infantry Division and a Green Beret with the 10th Special Forces Group. During his career he received the following: Bronze Star with "V" device (3 OLC), Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Metal, Vietnam Service Medal, Army Service Medal, Vietnam Staff Service Medal First Class, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Vietnam Civil Action Honor Medal 1st Class (2d Awd), Combat Infantry Badge, Parachute Badge, Aircraft Crewman Badge, and Danish Airborne Wings. After retiring from the Army, Watty worked for L&N Railroad until he retired after 18 years. He spent the remainder of his days playing golf, enjoying time with family, and supporting his beloved Lady Chargerettes. He also was the voice and letter writer for Vietnam veterans all over the country, especially lending his support to their families.

Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Helen A. Smith; his brother and sister-in-law, Donnie and Pam Smith; his sister-in-law, JoAnn Bunch; his two daughters and sons-in-laws, J.T. and Tammy Gard and Bob and Kim Cantley; his two sons and daughters-in law, Jerry and Beth Smith and Eric and Amy Newman. He loved his thirteen grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. Special thank you to his caretaker and dear friend Katarina Powers and her son James.

A funeral service will be held Monday, May 22, at 7 p.m. at Bordwine Funeral Home in Etowah with Representative John Forgety officiating, assisted by Dan Guy. Family and friends will assemble at 10 a.m. Tuesday morning at the funeral home and proceed to Green Hill Cemetery for the 11 a.m. committal service, officiated by Sheriff Joe Guy. The family will receive friends from 4-7 p.m. Monday prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the VFW of McMinn County, 706 Congress Pkwy N, Athens, TN. 37303 or to any of your selected sports programs at McMinn Central High School 145 CR 461, Englewood, TN 37329.