Birth date: Jan 19, 1929 Death date: Jan 5, 2017
Col. Wesley P. Smith 1929 - 2017 Memorial Service for Col. Wesley P. Smith, 87, of Camp Hill, will be Sunday, January 22, 2017 at 2:00 pm at the Dixon All Faith Chapel of Lyman Ward Military Academy. Rev. Rod Siggers will officia Read Obituary
He was a great man he treated me well as a student
Colonel Smith was the backbone that saved Lyman Ward. When Colonel Smith begin as the school's President after Mr. Howell resigned, the school had only $1,500 in the bank, and a debt close to 6 figures. Today Lyman Ward's name still carries global strength because of this man's love outside its gates. His tireless duties in that small Tallapoosa Hall corner. Often times when we'd meet, I'd always ask the same question. Colonel Smith why are you the only President I know have such a small office? He'd smile as he placed his hand on my shoulder, looking directly, and always same response: "Life isn't certain, sometimes isn't fair, we all live on the edge, if you don't you're wasting space. Don't go through life as many have following one's bumper, do what it takes to go around because the one out front wins, think small, but have a big heart, and you'll know then why I have a small office." Every year he signed my yearbook - "Remember the story? I do, stay out front - Have a good summer, Col. Smith."
Still remember those words 45 years later, pictorial those words over the sound of engines many times, thanks for putting me out front many times; thanks for being a great friend even after Lyman Ward. Always, David A. Self
May the GOD of all comfort be with the family. It pains the heart when a loved one dies, but the GOD of love will help you through this difficult time. Please throw all your anxiety on God because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7.
Rest in peace Col. smith i did not know you when u worked on campus. But i remember meeting you many times during my time at LWMA.
Jackson Abbett LWMA (2012-2014)
I was enrolled @ Lyman Ward Military Academy in January 1978 through 1984. I loved the school and the Family I made while there. You had The Gooden's, The Hovey's and then you had The Smith's! I was friends with both The Gooden's and The Hovey's and was great friends with the son's and daughter's of these people but The Smith's were a couple I had never had any personal involvement with. I just remember hearing about the History of Col. Wesley P. Smith and the torch he carried after Dr. Lyman Ward had passed away. I thought of Colonel Smith as almost a Huge Spirit that Lyman Ward Cadets and Staff were in AWE of. He was a walking Legend that I only had gotten to see on a handful of occasions. He was to me a walking figure from the way back past of Lyman Ward Military Academy and his presence was very intimidating. To me he was Lyman Ward! He was the Man, the Myth and a Walking Legend and I'll never forget his awesome and powerful presence in my Life and the Leader of a SCHOOL I loved and still love till this day. RIP Colonel Smith and thank you for keeping Lyman Ward going through the DECADES! The Academy has big shoes to FILL!!
Sincerely, Cadet Trey Sims (currently Terry Trey Smith) 1978-1983 years @LWMA
Deepest possible respects for Colonel Smith. My Alabama Father.
Albert W. Yoder
CDR USN (Ret)
Auburn '77
We will see you again Col. when we all gather again in Heaven. You go now to the Last Muster to hold a place for all of us. Thank you for your years of dedicated service and exemplary leadership. I learned a lot from you sir.
Very Respectfully, Sanders R. Elliott LWMA 74-77, US Army CPT (Ret).
