Houston Wayne Smith

Lieutenant Colonel Houston Wayne Smith, (US Army Retired), 83, husband of the late Carrie Martin Smith, passed away on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at his home in Scranton.

LTC Smith was born on November 4, 1942, in Hot Springs, Arkansas, son of the late Houston K. “Tiny” Smith and Vyolet Chaney Smith.  LTC Smith proudly served his country with honor in the United States Army, completing two tours of duty in Vietnam and retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Following his military career, he dedicated more than 20 years to shaping young lives as an ROTC instructor at Lake City High School, where he was deeply admired by his students and colleagues alike. LTC Smith had a genuine love for teaching, mentoring, and instilling discipline and pride in those he taught. Outside the classroom, he found great joy in driving his Corvette and embracing life with enthusiasm.

Surviving are his son, Ai (Michelle) Wagner; granddaughter, Timberly Wagner; and brother, David Smith.

LTC Smith was preceded in death by a son, Shawn Paul Smith and a daughter, Timberly Sampson.

The family will hold private services at a later date.                                      

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