From a contemporary press report:
Philip W. Smith, age 76, passed away suddenly September 4, 1999. From humble beginnings in rural Illinois, he rose to the rank of Rear Admiral, US Navy to Captain of Delta Airlines, and graduated from the University of Miami School of Law practicing in the areas of real estate, probate and maritime law.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Jane Smith, Miami Springs, FL; his children, Stephen Smith, Fayetteville, GA, Fr. David Smith, Miami, FL, Karen Smith, Lake Worth, FL, Kevin Smith, Miami Springs, FL; his daughter-in-law, Nancy Smith, Fayetteville, GA; and his grandchildren, Stephanie and Ryan Smith, Fayetteville, GA. Burial with Full Military Honors at Arlington National Cemetery, with services commencing in the Old Post Chapel, Fort Myers, on September 22, 12:45 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice.
Michael Robert Patterson was born in Arlington and is the son of a former officer of the US Army. So it was no wonder that sooner or later his interests drew him to American history and especially to American military history. Many of his articles can be found on renowned portals like the New York Times, Washingtonpost or Wikipedia.
Reviewed by: Michael Howard