Kenneth Smith Selected as Grand Marshal: Kenneth Smith, now residing in Muck City near Moulton, Alabama, lives a serene life. Settling there in 1959 with his wife, Pauline, they raised their daughters, Beth and Ann. Muck City, despite its name, is a quiet spot known for its past drive-in theatre, the SkyHigh Drive-In, causing amusing chaos among nearby cows when Tarzan’s yodels echoed.
Smith’s life took a different turn after graduating from Decatur High in 1953. He enlisted in the United States Air Force, underwent training in San Antonio and Cheyenne, and embarked on overseas assignments, including Tripoli and Morocco.
Honorable discharge came in Montgomery, Alabama, in 1957. Transitioning to the National Guard in 1962, he played roles in events like the 1974 tornado and 1985 ice storm. Noteworthy deployments included Panama and South Korea.
His National Guard service concluded in 1995. Post-World War II, Decatur’s bustling scene led him to work at Chemstrand (later Monsanto). Layoffs due to declining polyester demand led him to NASA in 1961.
During his NASA tenure, Smith contributed to groundbreaking projects, including Skylab. He interacted with renowned figures like Astronauts Alan Shepard and Neil Armstrong, and German scientist Werner Von Braun. Witnessing Armstrong’s moon landing in 1969 left an indelible mark.
In 1980, Smith joined the US Army Missile Command, retiring from Civil Service in 1990. Notable pride comes from his role in installing a rocket at the southbound I-65 Welcome Center near the Alabama-Tennessee state line.
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Life took an unexpected turn when he lost his wife, Pauline, to Covid in 2021. Despite facing adversities like cancer and heart surgery, Smith’s faith and resilience remain strong. He finds solace in books, football, and discussions on history and politics.
As this year’s Veterans Day Parade Grand Marshal, Kenneth Smith’s long service and dedication to the country are honored. We salute and thank him for his service.