Albert E. Smith

Albert E. Smith III, 71, of Lantana, FL passed away on February 8, 2020 at Bethesda Memorial Hospital after a long illness. Visitation will be held at 2-5pm on Saturday, February 15 at T.M. Ralph Funeral Home in Plantation, FL. Burial will be at South Florida National Cemetery at a later date. Al was born in Greensburg, PA on January 13, 1949. He graduated Fort Lauderdale High School and continued on to receive an Associate’s Degree in Aerospace Technology from Broward Community College. He graduated with High Honors and was a member of Phi Theta Kappa National Honors Fraternity. Al joined the United States Air Force in August of 1966, and served until June 1970 in the Vietnam War. He was awarded the Air Medal with three bronze oak leaf clusters for service in Southeast Asia and Korea. He earned the rank of Staff Sergeant, and spoke frequently about his military service and love of flying the EC-121 Warning Star, “Connie”, with the College Eye Task Force. Al worked in the roofing industry for a number of years, most recently running his own company, Tapered Designs, Inc.  He enjoyed classic movies, music, and cooking. He really enjoyed using the latest and greatest cooking gadgets from QVC. He loved following South Florida sports, especially the Miami Dolphins. “Happa” was also actively involved in the lives of his grandchildren, never missing a game, practice, or school event if he could possibly help it. Living in a different county was never an obstacle when it came to him seeing his family. He loved having his grandkids spend the night, and always made sure to have plenty of snacks and cookies on hand that the kids would sneak when he fell asleep. Al is survived by his children, Noelle and Alex Corris of Davie, FL; and Nicholas Smith of Lantana, FL; his grandchildren, Taylor, Alexandra, Caroline, and Benjamin; sister LaVerne Kingsbury, of Davenport, FL; and brothers Jim Smith of Plantation, FL; and David Smith of Vero Beach, FL; and other family and friends. Al is preceded in death by his parents, Ab and Sue Smith.