Wendell Smith

Wendell Philip Smith went home to be with the Lord at the age of 95 on Sunday, May 29, 2011 surrounded by his family at his residence in Temecula, California. He was born in Greenville, South Carolina, on November 10, 1915. He lived in Temecula, California for the last 40 years along with his wife, Eleanor.Wendell joined the Marine Corps in 1940 serving as a flight advisory meteorologist in WWII, the Korean War, Vietnam and many other deployments on the USS Boxer and the USS Enterprise. He retired in March 1971.Wendell will always be remembered by his family and friends for his loving, easygoing spirit and his willingness to take on any task from an elementary school science project with his grandchildren to repair of major appliances. He also loved astronomy and was an amateur photographer. His deep love for his family, friends and country made him a most special person to all who knew him.Wendell is survived by his wife of 65 years, Eleanor Smith. They met while she, too, was in the Marine Corps. He is also survived by three daughters, Roslyn Line and Pamela Uribarri, both of Aguanga and Betty Jo Smathers of Conyers, GA and thirteen grandchildren and great grandchildren.Funeral service will be at England Family Chapel on Wednesday, June 15, at 9:00am. He will be buried with military honors at Riverside National Cemetery following the funeral service. Family and friends will gather at Staging Area 2 at 11:15. Cemetery: Riverside National Cemetery 22495 Van Buren Blvd Riverside, CA 92518 (map/driving directions)