Willard Eugene Smith (Eugene)

Willard Eugene Smith passed away on 09/19/2024 at the age of 82. Eugene was born in Tampa, Florida. Born to Willard Clendon Smith and Naomi Ruth Price. Eugene moved to Dade City in 1948. Eugene graduated from Pasco High School in 1960. After graduation, Eugene served four years in the Air Force, serving 2 years in England and 1 year in France. After discharge from the Air Force, Eugene went to work with the Federal Transportation Administration as an air traffic controller. Eugene retired from the FAA with 21 and a half years. After retirement, Eugene worked in real estate and owned Dade City Realty from 1995 to 2002.

Eugene is a member of the VFW, American Legion, and the Air Force Association. Eugene served as Commander of the American Legion Post 15 for 3 years.

Eugene was active in many community events such as Church Street Christmas, 5K runs, community BBQs, etc.

Eugene married Phyllis Parpart in 1980 and has been married for 44 years.

Eugene loved to work on crossword puzzles, and enjoyed playing board and card games with family.

Eugene was pre-deceased by his parents, Willard Smith and Ruth Smith, and his brothers, Jerry D Smith, Raymond E Smith, and Ronald C Smith. He is survived by his wife Phyllis, his daughter Melissa of Gainesville, GA., his son Randy Smith (wife Yadira) of Westminster, CO., granddaughter Nia Smith, stepdaughter Lisa Schultz, and 2 step-grandsons Brian Schultz and Bradley Schultz. Family always came first for Eugene.

A visitation will be held on Monday, September 23, 2024, from 10:30 to 11:30 am at Hodges Family Funeral Home in Dade City, with a service immediately to follow. Eugene will be interred at Floral Memory Gardens in Dade City, FL. A reception will be held at the American Legion Post 15 at 1:00 pm.

The family asked that donations be made to the American Legion Post 15 (37745 Church Ave, Dade City, FL 33525) in Eugene's name.