Shawn Antonio Smiley

Shawn Antonio Smiley was born on September 16, 1972 in Atlanta, Georgia to Carole A. Smiley and the late William Crumbley. Shawn accepted Christ at an early age and joined Overcoming Faith Church in Savannah Georgia. Later, Shawn reaffirmed his commitment to Christ at First Baptist of Atlanta where he was baptized. Shawn attended Pathway Christian Preparatory Academy, Sol C. Johnson High School. While serving in the Naval ROTC program at Savannah State University, Shawn volunteered as a math tutor where he met the love of his life, his soul mate Terra L. Jones of Atlanta, Georgia. They were married June 22, 1994 in South Carolina. Shawn went on to graduate Suma Cum Laude from Savannah State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical engineering. In December 1996, Shawn was commissioned as a First Lieutenant in the United States Navy where he was assigned to the Helicopter Training Squadron Eighteen. In addition to serving his country, Shawn had a passion for serving the community. At an early age Shawn served at the Savannah Salvation Army and volunteered at the city??s Inner City Night Shelter, a shelter for homeless and disabled veterans. Shawn also volunteered with the Organization of Black Airline Pilots ACE Academy teaching adolescence who are interested in going in the field of Aviation.Shawn loved to read and had a huge reservoir of knowledge and often amazed family and friends with his quick responses during the nightly Jeopardy broadcastings. At an early age Shawn displayed his love of Aviation by reading books on Aeronautical Engineering, and building model airplanes. Later he received training as a Commercial Pilot with American Eagle, because of his passion for flying, Shawn pursued a career with the Atlanta Police Department with an accelerated goal of joining the department??s Helicopter Unit. Shawn??s lifelong dream of flying and serving his community became a reality in July 2012. Shawn was a naturally gifted musician and loved all types of music. He was a devoted father of three beautiful children, Victoria Kathyrn-Alvenis (age 9), Elizabeth Ruby (age 7) and William Richard( age 5).On Saturday, November 3, 2012 Shawn received his heavenly wings. He was called home to glory while serving in the line of duty doing what he loved. His love for family and friends will forever be missed.Shawn is survived by his wife, Terra Smiley, three children, Victoria, Elizabeth and William Smiley and a devoted and loving mother Ms. Carole A. Smiley of Dacula Georgia devoted uncle, Special uncle Phillip Smalls, special nephews Tarance & Tyler Breedlove, best friend Josh Sanders, aunts, uncles, niece, cousins, Loretta Browning, Thomas Jones (Linda), Tiffany Sawyer, Thomi Breedlove (Darrell), Thomarus Jones Jazmin Pope (Ja??Ell), and Lavender Jones and a host of friends and co- workers. Donations are being accepted at any Wells Fargo bank branch for the Shawn Smiley Memorial Fund.

Tributes

Shawn Antonio Smiley

September 16, 1972 - November 3, 2012