Smith joined AFA in 1974 and served in many leadership capacities. He was the organization's National President from 1994-1996. He is past chairman of the Long-Range Planning Committee and Veterans/Retirees Council. He is also past president of Mississippi State AFA and the Golden Triangle Chapter. His national AFA awards include two Medals of Merit, an Exceptional Service Award, a Special Citation, two State Storz Awards and a Chapter Storz Award. Smith is an AFA Life Member.

Smith retired from the Air Force as a lieutenant colonel in 1978. Active in many business and civic organizations, he has served as president of the Starkville, MS Chamber of Commerce, Mississippi Airport Managers Association, Southeastern Airport and the Greater Golden Triangle Economic Development Council Managers Association. He is also a Rotarian.

Smith was born in Marks, MS, and graduated from Tunica County High School in 1952. He earned a degree in chemical engineering in 1956 at Mississippi State University. He joined the Air Force in September 1956, serving in Air Defense Command and Tactical Air Command, flying a variety of fighter aircraft. On October 25, 1967, while flying his thirty-third combat mission over North Vietnam, Smith was shot down in Hanoi and captured. He was repatriated on March 14, 1973.

He completed his Air Force career as director of Operations for Air Training Command's 14th Flying Training Wing. Among his numerous decorations were two Silver Stars, a Legion of Merit, two Distinguished Flying Crosses, two Purple Hearts, a Meritorious Service Medal, two Air Medals and an RVN Gallantry Cross.

Smith and his wife, Rae, have two daughters and a son, who is a captain in the Air Force and an F-16 pilot.