CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Randall Scott Smith, age 26, of Paulding, Ohio, stationed in Chattanooga, Tenn., selflessly sacrificed his life Saturday, July 18, 2015 in Chattanooga after protecting his fellow servicemen during the tragic events of July 16. Randall will be remembered by the heroic way in which he saved the lives of his fellow servicemen.
Randall was born April 16, 1989 in Paulding, Ohio, where he graduated from Paulding High School in 2007. Randall served with the U.S. Navy as an active duty logistics specialist on the USS Wasp in Norfolk, Va. for three years. Upon his recent re-enlistment, he was stationed at the Naval Operations Support Center in Chattanooga. He was responsible for the training and transportation of active duty Naval personnel. Randall was honored to serve on special details at the Chattanooga National Cemetery. His intentions were to retire from the Navy. He was also enrolled at Ashford University, where he was on the Dean’s List working on a degree in hospital administration.
Randall and his family were residing in Fort Oglethorpe, Ga., and attended First Baptist Church of Fort Oglethorpe, where they were active Life Group members. He was an avid sports fan cheering on his favorite teams including Duke basketball, the Tennessee Titans, University of Miami Hurricanes and the Houston Astros. He gave back to his community by serving as a volunteer for various charities including Stuff the Truck, the Chattanooga Area Food Bank, cancer awareness and by providing rescue assistance during Hurricane Sandy. He also aided in the coordination of area Christmas events for military families and donated Easter baskets to hospitalized children. He always looked for ways to help others and was never one that wanted any recognition.
Randall was a loving and devoted husband, father, son, brother and friend who will be remembered for his sense of humor, “tell-it-like-it-is” personality and infinite love for his daughters, who were by far his first priority in life.
Randall was preceded in death by his grandparents, Hiram and Catherin Smith; and mother-in-law, Renee Thomas. Hiram Smith was a U.S. Army Korean War Veteran. His grandparents were very influential in his life as they were his primary caregivers.
He is survived by his loving wife of five years, Angie Smith; three small daughters, Lyla, Eila and Kyla; father, Tracy Smith; mother, Paula Proxmire; and sister, Shawna Smith.
Due to his love for the Chattanooga community who have embraced them with their outpouring of support during this time, his family has chosen to lay him to rest with full military honors at the Chattanooga National Cemetery.
Members of the U.S. Navy who had served with Randall will be active and honorary pallbearers.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, July 28 at First Baptist Church of Fort Oglethorpe with the Rev. Andy Atkinson, the Rev. Jason Thomas and the Rev. Drew Gardener officiating. Family and close friends are encouraged to attend the service. It is requested that community members wishing to pay tribute join the family at Chattanooga National Cemetery at 4 p.m.
The family will receive friends from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday, July 28 at First Baptist Church of Fort Oglethorpe.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Capital Bank beneficiary account for Randall Smith, P.O. Box 2146, Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742. Funds will be in an education trust for Randall’s three daughters.
Visit www.heritagebattlefield.com to share condolences with the family and view the memorial tribute.
Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home and Crematory, 3239 Battlefield Parkway, Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742.
