Augusta, GA – After a long road of pain and suffering, Mr. Owen C. Smitherman, slipped peacefully into eternity Tuesday, October 18, 2011.

Mr. Smitherman was retired from the U.S. Navy with the rank of Chief Petty Officer after serving 23 years. He served in 15 major battles in the Pacific during WWII and the Korean Conflict. He was proud of the United States and was honored to have served in defending her. Owen loved his dogs, to fish, to read, and work crossword puzzles.

Family members in addition to his wife of 11 years, Etta Smitherman include four daughters: Victoria Youman (Russell), Theresa Myers (David), Carol Powers, Nancy McTier (Chris); stepchildren: Janet Schmitt (Chris), Susan Straw, Michael Wingate; eight grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren; three step grandchildren; and sister, Betty Quattlebaum. He was preceded in death by his first wife of 50 years Jeannene Arnold Smitherman, and his parents, Rudolph Snider Smitherman and Maebell Roberson Smitherman.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, October 22, 2011 at 11:00 A.M. in the Chapel of Thomas Poteet & Son with Chaplain Dexter Lambert and Rev. Carolyn Moore officiating.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, Attn: Advanced Guard, 4899 Belfort Rd., Ste 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256 or the Shriners’ Children’s Hospital, 950 West Faris Rd., Greenville, SC 29605.

The family will receive friends Saturday morning from 10:00 A.M. until of the service at Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com