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 Roger A. Smith, 77, of Johnson City, Tennessee and formerly of Olney, passed away Sunday, September 10, 2023, in Johnson City. Roger was born February 15, 1946 in Olney, Illinois the son of Harold and Lola (Widger) Smith.
Roger was a graduate of E.R.H.S. and attended OCC. He served in the U.S. Army from March 1966 until December 1976. He served in Vietnam (1967-68) as infantry, “tunnel rat” and photographer. Roger earned numerous citations and medals, including two Purple Hearts and the Bronze Star.
Roger is survived by his brothers, Michael (Melba) Smith, Joseph (Jane Ann) Smith and Aarlon (Ellen) Smith.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Milton and sisters, Sarah, Susan and Sylvia.
A Celebration of Life and graveside services with full military rites will be held at a future date.
The Olney Gazette, Olney, IL – Thursday, September 21, 2023
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Sue Stone (Fritchley) (1967)
So sorry to hear of Roger's passing...my thoughts and prayers to his family during this difficult time. Sue (Stone) Fritchley class of '67
Gaytha Sue Vail (1964)
Roger and I went to Central School in Olney together - he was my "boyfriend" in 1st grade and a good guy throughout our school years, Sorry to hear about his passing. I am sure he will be missed.
Gaytha Vail - Class of '64
Marcia Jo Johnson (Weston) (1964)
Roger always was a very nice person and caring person.I got to know him better during our art class time togehter. My thoughts are with his family.
Wesley Weston (1964)
Roger,
Sorry to hear of your passing. I know that you crawled thru many tunnels, and can only be understood by someone who had been there. Well as you know I was in ‘Nam from 65-68. However I was fortunate enough to be off shore 3 miles floating around on a big flat top carrier. So I was always safe, sort of, night duty was a nightmare. I know that the people reading this will think “Who the hell is he talking too ? Well everyone I’m talking to Roger. And yes he can hear me and know that he is missed not only by me bit many others that had the pleasure of knowing Roger. He was a very special person and I for one will miss his wit, gentle smile and just all around friendly manner….Enjoy where you are and as you already know that all of your class members will be there in just a short time. I for one will glad to enjoy your company again. Your family and friends miss you……Wes
Suzi Cammon (1964)
Oh my goodness....this really makes me sad. Roger was so kind to everyone around him. He was supportive, encouraging and always a friend. Starting our education at Central together certainly gave us time to bond. But seeing him during passing period at the Junior High and High School - found him no different, always having a hug ready. He was a natural artist and had a creative mind. Would have loved to known more about his experiences in the 'tunnels' while in Nam. Roger - we loved you and you returned that to us. ❤️ God speed - rest in peace!
Michael Fredric Bauman (1964)
Roger was a childhood friend and comrade in arms , we served in Viet Nam at the same time, he was assigned to the Americal Division based in Chu Lai and his platoon sergeant was Bob Gallas , Roger and Bob spoke often thru the years and I was a friend to both . One of Roger's Purple Heart awards was a result of a buried bomb planted in a trail , Roger was fortunately sitting outside of an armed personel carrier which exploded and blew Roger off the apc ,the others inside the apc were not as fortunate . Roger was a casulalty of that terrible war and could never put the demons behind. I hope you find the peace you so deserve !
Beverly Anderson (Drake) (1964)
I have been so upset hearing that Roger passed away. He was such a great friend during high school, especially Art Class. We continued to be friends after school. He even came to EIU with some of our other friends to see me. I enjoyed seeing Roger and his photographs from Vietnam. Even though I haven't seen Roger in a long time, he has always been in my thoughts and will continue to be. Blessings to his family and friends,
Sam Neil Kesler (1964)
Roger was a sweet, humble, witty, and beautiful soul. He appeared in our 1962 8MM "Hollywood" Home movie "Revenge Of The Thing." Roger graciously agreed to get attacked and "done in" by the monster, played horrifying by Kelly Walker. I believe the last time I saw Roger was in Olney at our 25th ERHS reunion in 1989. My wife Linda immediately fell in love with him, as did everyone who met Roger. We never forgot the time we were playing the video game "Frogger" at the Red Rooster truck stop. During Roger's turn, he suddenly let out a yelp and exclaimed, "I got a frog!" Everyone nearly fell to the floor as we burst into uncontrollable laughter. Sending love, hugs, and prayers to his family and friends. God Bless you, Roger, we'll never forget you. Thanks for the memories.
Kathryn Sue VanCleve (Burkhart) (1964)
Roger was such a sweet kind young man. So sorry to hear of his passing.Michael Alan Wattleworth (1964)
I remember Roger well as as an extremely likeable, friendly, funny, and modest guy, I liked him, but I never would have expected him to spend a decade in the military. But he did and clearly served bravely and with honor. Being a "tunnel rat" is surlely one of the most terrifying, lonely, and courageous things a man could do to protect his fellow soldiers. I deeply respect him for that. I was sorry to hear from Mike Bauman that he suffered so much after the war and I hope he is at peace now. God Bless.