HURST, Texas — Roger Dale Smith, 57, passed away Monday, Nov. 28, 2016, at his residence.

He was born on June 30, 1959, in Walnut Ridge to Bobby G. and Anna Ruth Binkley Smith. He was married to Ruth Ann Givens Smith for 34 years. Roger and Ruth met while they were both on active duty in the U.S. Navy stationed in Hawaii, and were married Oct. 9, 1982.

Roger retired from the U.S. Navy after 21 years of service. His career spanned three decades (1977-98).

After graduating high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy as a seaman recruit (E-2), and within 12 years, he advanced to the rank of senior chief petty officer (E-8).

Still hungry for additional responsibility, he applied, and was accepted to become a commissioned Naval officer. He was promoted to chief warrant officer (CWO2) and was promoted to CWO3.

As a CWO, he became part of an elite group of known as "Mustang" Naval officers. The title "Mustang Officer" is a name given to a select few who began their Naval careers as enlisted and are selected to become commissioned Naval officers.

He served in the following commands: HSL-31 (NAS North Island, San Diego), HSL-37 (NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii), AIMD (NAS Whidbey Island, Wash.), VAQ-139 (NAS Whidbey Island), VQ-2 (NAS Rota, Spain), VAQ-130 (NAS Whidbey Island) and HSL-37 (NAS Barbers Point).

During his Naval career, he became known as an aviation maintenance specialist. He served aboard numerous combat ships on the high seas all over the world, and was a veteran of the first Persian Gulf War in 1991.

His military awards and ribbons include the following: three Naval Commendation Medals, three Navy Achievement Medals, three Navy Unit Commendation Medals, two Meritorious Commendation Medals, five Navy Battle "E" ribbons, two Navy Good Conduct Medals, two Naval Expeditionary Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal, Expert Pistol Marksman Medal, Sea Service, and Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist.

After his Naval career, Roger went back to school and completed his bachelor's degree in professional aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and was employed as an aerospace quality assurance inspector for the Department of Defense.

Roger was a true American patriot and Navy man through and through. After retirement, one of his greatest joys was staying in contact with his mentors and protégés, and telling sea stories for hours and hours.

Roger was preceded in death by his father, Bobby G. Smith.

His survivors include his mother, Ruth Smith Holsapple of Walnut Ridge; his wife, Ruth Ann Smith of the home (Hurst); sons, Chief Petty Officer Roger Smith Jr. (USN) of Aiea, Hawaii, and Sean Robert Smith of Thornton, Colo.; brother, Ron Smith of Hoxie; sister, Robin Saito of Jonesboro; and his best friends, Rodney "Duke" Madsen and Eddie Zayas.

Visitation for Mr. Smith will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Cox Funeral Home in Walnut Ridge. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home with Jerry Jolly and Dr. Christopher Saito officiating. Burial will follow in Lawrence Memorial Park at Walnut Ridge. Military honors will be rendered.

All arrangements are under the direction of Cox Funeral Home in Walnut Ridge.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are Dr. Chris Saito, Dr. Kim Saito, John Phillips, Bill Binkley, Rodney Madison and Eddie Zayas.

Honorary pallbearers will be Keith Binkley and Frank Binkley.