James W. 'Jay' Smith, 79

James W. "Jay" Smith of Rehoboth Beach passed away with his family by his side Sunday, Feb. 4, 2007, in his home. He was 79.

He was born Sept. 16, 1927, in Shawnee, Okla.

His boyhood years were spent in Vernon, Texas.

Jay was a proud graduate of the University of Texas and was a member of the Longhorn Golf Team.

As a first lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force, he completed 100 combat missions in the Korean War and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with four oak leaf clusters.

In 1955, he joined the DuPont Company holding various positions in the explosives department until retiring to Rehoboth Beach in 1983.

Jay served on various boards including the Rehoboth Beach Country Club and the Rehoboth Beach Homeowners Association. He especially enjoyed his time spent volunteering for Meals on Wheels. He was a life long student of the game of golf, winning club championships across the country. He loved to teach the game to juniors and pass along the character of the game. Golf provided the foundation for many friendships. Second to his passion for golf was his love of all sports teams from Texas.

Jay was preceded in death by his parents, U. J. and Frances Smith; a sister, Caroline; and a brother, Nat.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Priscilla (Richardson) Smith; a son, Curt and his wife, Elaine Smith of Seaford, a daughter, Cindy and her husband, Elliotte Speake of Birmingham, Ala., and a son, Terry and his wife, Maureen Smith of Rehoboth Beach; seven grandchildren, Erika Smith and Christopher Smith, both of Seaford, Alden Speake of Birmingham, and Madeline Smith, Molly Smith, Maggie Smith and Beau Smith, all of Rehoboth Beach; and the family dog, Cracker.

Services will be 11 a.m. Saturday in All Saints' Episcopal Church, 18 Olive St., Rehoboth Beach.

Internment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Delaware State Golf Association Scholarship Fund, 240 West Side Drive, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971.

Arrangements by Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes.