SMITH RAYBURN GENE

WO1 Rayburn "Gene" Gene Smith was a VHPA member who died after his tour in Vietnam on 12/22/2022 at the age of 79.2
Brookneal, VA
Flight Classes 65-3W and 65-2
Date of Birth 10/25/1943
Served in the U.S. Army
Served in Vietnam with C/1/9 CAV in 65-66
Call sign in Vietnam THIRSTY RED 21
This information was provided by Wife

More detail on this person: Col. (U.S. Army retired) Rayburn Gene Smith of Hat Creek died Thursday, Dec. 22, 2022, at Lynchburg General Hospital. He was born Oct. 25, 1943, in Newport News to the late Willard A. (Pete) Smith and Annie Elma Martin Smith. Though born in Newport News, Hat Creek was always his home, and the most important place in the world to him. Gene was a member of Hat Creek Presbyterian Church. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Anne Gray Houchens Smith; daughter Susan K. Smith of Richmond; daughter Victoria G. Hall (David) and their daughters Charlotte, Lydia and Gwendolyn Hall, all of Chesapeake; his brother, Glenn Smith (Frances) of Amherst; and several nieces and nephews. He was recently preceded in death by a special cousin, Edwin C. (Bud) Smith of Timonium, Maryland. Gene was a graduate of William Campbell High School, Virginia Commonwealth University, Liberty University, U.S. Army Command and Staff College and the U.S. Army War College. He served his country with over 34 years of commissioned service. Among his many assignments, he was a Huey gunship pilot during 1965-66 in Vietnam, serving with C Troop, First Squadron, Ninth Cavalry, First Cavalry Division (Airmobile). For his active service, he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal for Valor with 26 Oak Leaf Clusters, Presidential Unit Citation, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal (second award), Vietnam Service Medal (third award), Armed Forces Reserve Medal (second award), Army Service Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Palm, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and Master Army Aviator Badge. After retiring from active service, he was the senior Army instructor for several JROTC units, concluding this part of his career at Halifax County High School. Gene was also a lifelong educator, serving during his civilian years as a history teacher and school administrator. Since retirement, he was able to invest more time and energy in his most valued interests by volunteering in several civic and historical organizations. A funeral service will be conducted by Pastor Dick Boswell and Pastor Matt Smith (Gene's nephew) at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2022, at Falling River Baptist Church at 2874 Wickliffe Road, Brookneal, VA 24528.

This information was last updated 05/31/2023

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Date posted on this site: 10/13/2025