Col Karl Sigmund Smith, USMC (Ret), formerly of Orland Park, IL passed away February 8, 2015. He was a resident of Pensacola since 1983, after retiring from the US Marine Corps with the rank of Colonel. He is survived by his wife, Dell; two children, Lucas and Janie and 4 grandchildren, Jessica, Jenna, Kate and Claire. Col. Smith earned a BS from Illinois State University, History/Geology, JD/LAW from University of Illinois, MS from Air Command and Staff College/Auburn University. Col. Smith served as an aviator, military Federal judge and VMFA-312 Attack Fighter Squadron Commanding Officer. His military decorations include the Legion of Merit, three Distinguished Flying Crosses, nineteen Air Medals and seventeen other awards. He was the ultimate patriot, and gave his heart and soul into defending the United States of America. His passion was flying high performance aircraft, which his medals proved his legendary fast reactions, brilliant maneuvering and genius strategizing. He attended many prestigious flying schools, one of which was the Naval Fighter Weapons School more publicly recognized as TOPGUN. He spoke often of flying--actually being in Heaven--which was living a dream in three dimensions. His love was in the sky, and to quote his son "God's air was my home". He was home among the clouds. He shall now return home and have his beloved peace. Col. Smith previously attended Orland Park Methodist Church, Cokesbury United Methodist Church, domestic and international base chapels. Visitation will be held 11:30am Friday, February 20, 2015 at the NAS All Faiths Chapel with Funeral Service beginning at 12:30pm with Chaplain Ed Norris officiating. Interment will follow at Barrancas National Cemetery at 1:15pm. A reception will follow all services at 2:00pm at the Mustin Beach Officers Club Gof Hawk Room. Heartfelt thanks to Dr. Arinetta Spear, Dr. Hani Razek, Dr. Christopher Bosarge, Dr. Huaiyu Tan, nurse Tina, Gulf Breeze Hospital and Emergency Room Staff, Our Lady of Haven Staff, Covenant Hospice Staff and each and every nurses aid, nurse, PA and doctor who took a deep and personal interest in the sincere loving kind and tender care of Col. Smith. There is a special place in all our hearts and heaven for each of these absolutely giving and selfless individuals. Special thanks to friends and neighbors the Kilgores, Flemings, Lupones, Buchlis, Mougeys, Fergusons, Dukes, Stidhams, Atchisons, Warrens, Brinkleys, Smiths, Johnson, Miller, Zaborski, Cintron and countless others not mentioned who made Col. Smith's life deeply enriched with love. Deepest appreciation to each family member with offering love and endless patience. In lieu of flowers, his wishes were for memorial contributions to be made to the American Heart Association. www.heart.org, which will be greatly appreciated. Additional memorials and tributes to Col Smith can be posted at www.legacy.com and www.harpermorrismemorialchapel.com.