Funeral services for Michael Hugh “Sarge” Smith, of Brookhaven, are Friday, Feb. 16, 2018, at 2 p.m. at Riverwood Family Funeral Service in Brookhaven with burial at Riverwood Memorial Park.

Visitation will be today, Thursday, Feb. 15, 2018, from 5 until 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Mr. Smith, 68, died Sunday, Feb. 11, 2018, surrounded by his loving family at his home after a long battle with C.O.P.D. and cancer. He was born May 5, 1949, at Keesler Air Force Base to Cedric Hugh Smith and Doris Walker Bessonette.

He grew up in Franklin and Lincoln Counties and followed in his father’s footsteps, joining the United States Army. After basic training he was assigned to 162nd Assault. Helicopter C, 1st Infantry Division serving in Vietnam during the Tet Offensive where he was awarded the Soldiers Medal for heroism. He was also stationed in South Korea where he patrolled the DMZ. Leaving the military, Mr. Smith worked for Wade Robinson Chevrolet in Brookhaven where he earned the nickname “Radio Mike.” After a few years of civilian life, the military call him back and he joined the Det. II HHC 1-155th Infantry Battalion National Guard Unit, trading helicopters for tanks and earning the nickname “Sarge.” He retired after spending 35 years in service to his country.

He was preceded in death by his father; brother, Edgar Stephen Smith; stepfather, J.C. Bessonette; stepmother, Anna Thull Smith; and his mother-in-law, Quinnie L. Williams Smith.

Survivors are his wife of 47 years, Patricia “Pat” Smith; mother; son and daughter-in-law, Christopher and Christina Smith; daughter and son-in-law, Alanna Smith and Tracey Case; brother, Kevin Bessonette; three grandchildren, Elizabeth and Quinn Smith and Wrynn Case; father-in-law, Jesse W. Smith; brother-in-law, Jesse Ronnie Smith; Guard and “Moose” family; and a host of nieces, nephews and special cousins

The family wishes to give a special thank you to Compassus Hospice Ministries and the Radiation and Oncology Departments of the Sonny Montgomery Veterans Hospital for their compassion and care. The would also like to thank Faith Presbyterian Church on Magee Drive and Riverwood Family Funeral Service for their compassion and support.