Burl Smith

Burl Smith, 84, of Valdosta, died Tuesday, July 26, 2011, at his home after a lengthy illness. Born in Coeburn, Va., on Oct. 2, 1926, he was the son of the late Letcher and Elizabeth Burke Smith. A veteran of the Korean Conflict and Vietnam, Mr. Smith retired from the U.S. Army after 20 years of service. Formerly of Sarasota, Fla., he had lived in Valdosta for the past 4 1/2 years. He attended Forrest Street Church of Christ.

Survivors are his wife, Sandra Joyce Carter Smith of Valdosta; daughters and sons-in-law, Krista and Richard Bledsoe of Knoxville, Tenn., Bethany Benjamin of Tampa, Fla.; granddaughter, Alexis A. Brunzo of Tampa, Fla.; sister, Emma Jean Flinchum of Gainesville, Fla.; mother-in-law, Myra Carter of Valdosta; nephews and their spouses, Kenneth and Beverly Flinchum of Gainesville, Fla., Terry and Vicki Foster of Daytona Beach, Fla., Edward and Becky Smith of Tipp City, Ohio; numerous nieces and nephews.

Mr. Smith was preceded in death by brothers, Lloyd and Jake Smith; sisters, Vera McConnell and Anna Lee Foster; and father-in-law, Hoyt Carter.  

Graveside service with full military honors will be held  Friday, July 29, 2011, at 12:30 p.m. in Florida National Cemetery at Bushnell, Fla.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a military organization of your choice. Carson McLane Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be conveyed online at www.mclanefuneralservices.com.  — Carson McLane Funeral Home