Samuel A. “Sam” Smith Jr. 77, passed away peacefully at his home Saturday, October 22, 2022. Sam was born in Salina, Kansas on February 26, 1945 to Sam and Edith May (Kean) Smith.

At the age of 2 Sam’s family moved to Abilene, KS where he grew up and went to school. He played football and basketball for Abilene High School, and played baseball in the summer.

Sam joined the Army in 1963, he was stationed in Germany after completing boot camp in Missouri. Sam returned from the Army in 1966 to settle in Salina once again.

He worked at Beechcraft/ Raytheon/ Hawker Beechcraft for 42 years. He was a “rivet pounder” and a crew chief in the wing department, an analyst and eventually a tool planner, before retiring in 2009. Sam was an avid Chiefs fan, a Royals fan and enjoyed John Wayne movies and memorabilia.

Sam was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Edith Mary.

Sam is survived by his children, Bob, Becky (Bill) Simhiser, and Pam (Wayne “Buddy”) Boyd; his 5 grandchildren, AJ (Liz) Boyd, Tara Simhiser, Maranda Simhiser, Nathan (Ana) Simhiser, and Wyatt Boyd. He is also survived by 1 great-granddaughter and 2 great-grandsons.

A memorial service will be held in his honor at 11 a.m. Saturday, November 12, 2022 at Ray Avenue Baptist Church, 2801 E Ray Ave, Salina KS.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Samuel A. “Sam” Smith Jr., please visit the floral store.