Terrence W. Smith

Terrence Wayne Smith “Sarge”, 78, passed away on January 8, 2026 at the Idaho State Veterans home in Post Falls, Idaho to be with God. 

He was born in Chicago, Illinois but was a long time resident of Sandpoint, Idaho (1999). He suffered from illnesses stemming from agent orange and is now at rest, whole again, in the arms of our Lord. 

Terrence was born to Clarence Smith and Janet Smith (Korman). He loved and played baseball and football growing up. He was very audacious, running with a group of guys under the nickname “Fish”, boldly living life. 

On February 3, 1968 Terrence was drafted in the US Army as a 91B (Mechanic). He reenlisted August 27, 1969 with 5th Group Special Forces MACVSOG CCN Recon team RT Kansas 1-1. He served our country valiantly as a Green Beret, a true hero. After Vietnam Terrence began a 23 year career as a Chicago Firefighter for the CFD starting with Snorkel Squad 1, Instructor at the fire academy, and an axeman on the truck at his assigned fire station. After being diagnosed with bladder cancer in 1995, Terrence was forced into retirement and in 1999 moved to Sandpoint, Idaho with his mother, Janet and daughter, Shanna. 

Terrence is predeceased by his mother Janet Smith (Korman), father Clarence Smith and brother Frank Smith. 

He is survived by his daughter Shanna (John) Swalander, son Jeremiah Smith, granddaughter Aurora Lippard, grandson Edwin Swalander, grandson Logan Swalander, sister Diane (Robert) Prater and brother Richard (Susanna) Smith. Terrence was a huge advocate of the outdoors and weekly outings with the Dinky Dau breakfast club with his band of brothers. 

He will forever be remembered, loved and missed by many. 

Airborne. All the Way.