Richard Smiley

Richard McDermott Smiley, age 78 of St. Martin died October 19, 2018 in Ocean Springs.
He was born in Boston, MA the son of Marjorie (Provan) Smiley.  His adopted father was Clayton G. Smiley.  He grew up in suburbs of Boston, MA and received his secondary education in Danvers and North Reading public schools, graduating from North Reading High School.  He attended the Bentley School of Accounting and Finance in Boston andreceived his technical training in the USAF as aircraft avionics technician
In 1966 he was married to the former Susan Lorraine Lippert of Wilmington, MA.  They were married for 52 years.
Mr. Smiley is survived by his wife; a stepbrother Ronald Smiley; and two children, Mark (Rita) and Laura Smiley.  He also leaves behind two grandchildren, Rachel Smiley and Shelby Hillebrand.
Mr. Smiley received his draft notice in 1961 at the age of 20. He knew he would be recruited into the army.  Because of his near perfect test scores the Air Force recruiter arranged for him to meet with representatives of the Aviation Cadet Program.  He was sent to Otis AFB, MA for three days of testing.  He passed the tests and was on his way to becoming a pilot.  Unfortunately, he didn't pass the physical.
He decided to join the Air Force as an enlisted man in November 1961.  He spent the next 26 years in the service of his country, retiring in December of 1987 as a Chief Master Sergeant.
He joined the now renamed West Jackson County Volunteer Fire Department in 1976 and served, when in the area for a period of 32 years.  He earned the nickname "WaterBoy", a term he loved, because he usually drove tankers to fires.  While a member of the department, he entered a nationwide essay contest, "Firedog  Across America", sponsored by Circuit City.  He was finalist resulting in a $25,000.00 donation to the department.  He retired as the Assistant Chief in July of 2008.  He was given the honorary position of Permanent Captain for Life and his badge number 1122 was retired.
He served his country and community without a break for a period of 47 continuous years as either a member of the USAF or a volunteer fire fighter, sometimes both.
After finishing basic training, he was assigned to the Strategic Air Command's 100th Bomb Wing at Pease AFB, NH.  He worked on nuclear loaded bombers and their associated tankers.
During his 26 year career, he maintained avionics navigation equipment on the B-47, B-52, B-58, KC-97, KC-135, F-4, AC-130, C-130, C-141, and C-5 aircraft.  He was an avionics instructor at Keesler Air Force Base, MS for nine years, earning the rating of Master Instructor.
Richard served with distinction as a veteran of the SEA conflict.  He served two tours in Thailand working as an avionics technician on F-4 Phantom II aircraft and was assigned special classified missions over Laos's Plain of Jars with Air America during 1969 and 1970.  During his years of service he was awarded three Meritorious Service Medals and two Commendation medals.  As his career progressed, he was given assignments in leadership positions based on his ability to inspire his superiors and subordinates.  In 1979 he was assigned to Hdqtrs Air Training Command (ATC) at Randolph AFB, TX.  There he was assigned a s NCO in charge of the ATC maintenance Management School, a school for senior supervisors, master sergeant through colonel.  His many innovative and creative ideas produced one of the finest schools in the Air Force.  For his efforts he was named the school's Academic Instructor of the Month, Quarter and Year, the 12th Student Squadron's Senior NCO of the Year and the 12th Flying Training Wings Senior NCO of the year for 1980. He was awarded the Air Force Association's Blue Suit Award and ATC's Education/Training Manager of the Year, as a result of his accomplishments as Technical Advisor to the 60th MAW Deputy Commander for Maintenance.  His final assignment was Maintenance Technical Advisor to the 60th MAW Deputy Commander for Maintenance, Travis AFB, CA.  It was the highest enlisted position in the aircraft maintenance complex made up of 7900 personnel.  He was known as a chief's Chief and was often introduced using that sobriquet.
After his retirement from the Air Force, he went to work for the Technical Engineering Services Co., of Mobile, AL.  he was a technical writer and corporate editor.  He continued his service with West Jackson County VFD until he retired in July of 2008.
A visitation will be held from 2:00 PM until the 4:00 PM funeral service at RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 13872 Lemoyne Blvd at Washington Ave in West Jackson County on Sunday, October 21, 2018.  A private burial will follow at a later time at Biloxi National Cemetery.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Ocean Springs Hospital on 2 East along with Dr. Smith, Dr. Gatlin and Dr. Shelby for their care.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Humane Society of South MS at www.hssm.org
View and sign guestbook, share memories and photos at www.riemannfamily.com