US Army Veteran- Wayne Smith

Sedric Wayne Smith was born in Oklahoma in March, 1922.

On October 30th, 1942, he enlisted in the Army as a Combat Medic. He served in the ETO (European Theatre Operation) and was honorably discharged on October 9th, 1946. Three of those four years were spent overseas, and he spent the last year working at the Army and Navy hospital in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

During his service, he saw many of his friends and fellow soldiers give their lives for our country. He had many stories to tell, and his sharp memory recalled details as if it had happened yesterday. His stories were set in North Africa, Sicily, and Italy, and it was in Anzio where he was injured. Shrapnel entered through his left side, breaking his 8th rib, collapsing his left lung, and leaving him with two holes in his stomach and one hole in his diaphragm. Years later during an x-ray, it was discovered that he also had metal lodged in his spleen.

As a brave and courageous US Veteran, he was honored with a Purple Heart with clusters. He was known as Smitty to those who served with him. In December 2021, he was honored at a Veterans event at Black Rifle Coffee Company in Oklahoma City, represented by his grandson, Marcus. A few days later, Smitty passed away. He was known in his family as Papa Wayne, and his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren are keeping his memory alive for generations to come. He was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather, and he was faithful to God his whole life. We know we will see him in Heaven again someday, but we are so thankful for the impact that Papa Wayne made on the lives of many during his time on this earth. Take some time today to appreciate those you know who serve others selflessly, whether it be a veteran, a parent, teacher, pastor, friend, or even the cashier at your local grocery store. By doing this, you will be letting Smitty’s legacy live on.