Dan Smith, a veteran of the Vietnam Conflict and longtime resident of Saltillo, passed away on Thursday, August 24, 2023 at North Mississippi Medical Center's Inpatient Hospice in Tupelo. Joe Dan, as he was known to many in the area, was born September 9, 1944 to Willie Oscar and Erma May (Langston) Smith. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1962, retired 1983 having earned the
rank of Master Sergeant. During his time in the U.S.A.F., he served his country proudly at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, Texas, Tyndal AFB in Panama City, Florida, Clark AFB in the Philippines, Ben Hoa AFB in Vietnam, Danang AFB in Vietnam, Randolph AFB in San Antonio,
Texas, Tinker AFB in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Lakenheath AFB in England, Shaw AFB in South Carolina, Don Muang Royal Thai AFB, Takhli Royal AFB, and Korat Royal Thai AFB in Bangkok, Thailand, Holloman AFB in Alamogordo, New Mexico, Spangdahlem AFB in
Germany, and Columbus AFB in Columbus, Mississippi. He had numerous T.D.Y.'s to Libya, Italy, Turkey, and Denmark. He was a decorated airman being awarded the following decorations, medals, badges, citations, and campaign ribbons: Meritorious Service Medal, AF Commendation Medal, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, NCO Professional Military Education with One Oak Leaf Cluster, AF Longevity Service Ribbon with Three Oak Leaf Clusters, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with Three Oak Leaf Clusters, Outstanding Unit Ribbon with One Oak Leaf Cluster, Republic Vietnam Gallentry Cross with Device, Republic Vietnam Campaign Medal, and AF Good Conduct Medal with Four Oak Leaf Clusters. He also retired from Cooper Tire and Rubber Company in 2005.
Joe met his wife, Kay Wall, on November 14, 1965 and they married 7 days later on November 21, 1965 in San Antonio, Texas. They were married for 58 years. Joe and Kay had two children, son, Joe Dean and daughter, Tamara Renee'. In his spare time, Joe enjoyed tending to his chickens, water skiing, throwing the sock for his dogs, letting his cat lay in his lap, supporting his children and grandchildren with extracurricular activities, watching nascar, fishing, playing solitaire, retelling his life adventures, and laughing with his family. He never met a stranger. He will be greatly missed by all of his family.
He is survived by his wife, Kay;  son, Joe Smith (Alicia), and daughter, Renee' Smith; Grandchildren, Shelby Chenault (Jonathan), Chelsea Smith, Ashton Smith, and Britton Smith; Great-grandchildren, Luke, Tanner, and Parker;  Brother Bob H. Smith (Jean); Sisters, Sarah S.
Smith and Nancy Faye McGee (Gene); Nephews Jeff and Terry McGee, Mark Cowan, Lynn Schafer and niece Julie McCluskey.
He was preceded in death by his parents Willie Oscar and Erma May; sister Mary Nell Millwood and sister Barbara Cowan.
Visitation is Friday, August 25, 2023 at Lee Memorial Funeral Home from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm and on Saturday, August 26, 2023 there will be a visitation from 9:00 am to 10:00 am.

Graveside Services with Military Honors will be 10 AM Saturday in Lee Memorial Park with Rev. Dan Rupert officiating.