Obituary of Major James Glyn Smith

Major James Glyn Smith, 78, of Columbia, SC, passed away December 8, 2021. He was born in Charleston, WV to the late Olin and Virginia Nunn Smith.

Major Smith graduated from Columbus High School in 1963, and later received a BS Degree in Economics from the University of South Florida in 1975, and a BS in Finance from the University of South Carolina in 1995. Major Smith enlisted in the Army in 1965, and after graduating Officer Candidate School, received a commission as a second lieutenant. 

Major Smith served 20 years in the U.S. Army, which included two combat tours in Vietnam in 1967 and 1969. Major Smith received numerous awards and decorations, including four Bronze Stars, two Purple Hearts, Combat Infantry Badge, and Airborne wings. After retiring from active duty, Major Smith had a successful second career as executive director of the Palmetto Protection Service (PUPS) in Columbia, SC. 

Major Smith is survived by wife, Mary McDonie Smith of Hopkins, SC; his brother, Major General (R) Steven Wade Smith (Cindy) of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. He also leaves behind his son, Olin & Denise (Madlena) Smith of Fayetteville, TN; and three grandchildren: Justin, Preston, and Brennen Smith. He was preceded in death by his parents, Olin Earl Smith and Virginia Nunn Smith; amd brother, LTC. (R) Robert Morris Smith.

Visitation will be held at Thompson Funeral Home at Greenlawn Memorial Park on Thursday, January 6, 2022 at 6:30pm. The Requiem Mass will be celebrated at Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church, 3600 Devine St., Columbia, SC on Friday, January 7, 2022 at 1:00pm. Interment will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Park. Family and friends may sign the online guest book at www.thompsonsfuneral.com.