Proudly entering the Naval Service in December 1943 and with great valor, Floyd served his country in the South Pacific Theatre of World War II onboard The USS William C. Cole. During the Battle of Okinawa, he received minor wounds from a Japanese suicide plane. Honorably discharged in December 1945, for his faithful service, he was awarded a Good Conduct Medal, Pacific Theatre of War Ribbon with one Battle Star, a Bronze Star, WWII Victory Medal, and Asiatic- Pacific Campaign Medal.
Following his war service, Floyd returned home to his wife and children and to work with the Seaboard Railroad. It was here that he suffered a severe injury in which he lost both legs and his left arm below the elbow. However, the true attestation to the strength, courage, and great will he possessed manifested itself as Floyd overcame the obstacles his injuries created. Floyd challenged and triumphed over the concept of now being a handicapped person.
After numerous surgeries and more than two years of rehabilitation, Floyd returned to life determined to live it to the fullest. He became a charter member of the Disabled Veteran’s Chapter #59. A tireless advocate for the disabled with an emphasis on veterans, he was appointed to a variety of chapter responsible positions including, on three separate occasions, Chapter Commander. He served in the state and national levels in the following official capacities: Department Adjunct; Department Treasurer; Department Senior Vice Commander; Chairmen of the Veteran’s Administration Volunteer Service; Assistant Department Adjunct; and Department Convention Chairman. Floyd also served for ten years as a volunteer representative at the VAMC in Fayetteville, N.C., where he was awarded many awards and certificates in commendation of his hours of service. Additionally, he was the recipient of numerous plaques and certificates, the Outstanding Service Award from three different Department Commanders, and the National Certificate of Merit which was signed by the National Commander and the National Adjunct. Through these tireless efforts and never-ending zest for life, Floyd has left a legacy and instilled in his family and friends the true meaning of inspiration and hope while in the face of adversity.
Graveside services were conducted Monday, May 3, 2010 at 11:00 A.M. at Richmond Co. Memorial Park with Rev. Ray Brooks officiating.
Floyd was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 60 years Callie M. Smith; daughter Mollie Irene Smith; two brothers Bunyon and J.C. Smith;
Surviving; sons Al (Doris) of Waycross, Ga.; Curtis (Marie) of Carthage, N.C.; Don (Janice) of Hamlet.; daughter Betty (Boyd)Melton, of Rockingham.; eleven grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren; a special nephew and niece, Neal and Nancy McSwain of Foxfire; and a very special friend, Eva Mason of Troy.
The family received friends Sunday evening from 7-8:30 P.M. at Watson-King Funeral Home in Rockingham.
Memorials may be made to the William Ingram Chapter of the DAV in Hamlet, P.O. Box 608 Hamlet, NC 28345.
Online condolences may be made at www.watson-kingfuneralhome.com
Watson-King Funeral Home in Rockingham is serving the Smith family.
- Paid obituary
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