Steven "Smitty" Smith (W5YME)

Last Monday (3/28/2016) we were deeply saddened and stunned that our dear friend Steven Smith W5YME of Atlanta, TX perished following a tragic drag-racing accident outside of Shreveport. I had only known Steven (or "Smitty") just a few months, but he left a profound impact on me in that brief time. His kindness and genuine personality are the traits that stood out to me as we became acquainted. He was a fine Christian gentleman, family man, lived life to the fullest and a top shelf ham operator. My friendship with Steven was fostered by the incredible Freedom Link repeater system that Steven and his lifelong best friend Jim Collom N5YU had assembled and expanded across NE Texas, SW Arkansas and NW Louisiana. In the last several months this system has exploded in growth and coverage area in the ArkLaTex - - with the primary objective to serve the NWS Shreveport warning area during times of severe weather. This repeater system, until today, bore Steven's callsign W5YME. For regular users of this system, it will seem quite foreign to hear another callsign going forward. It will serve as a reminder of our fallen friend and keep us focused on keeping this system operating at a high standard - - just like Steven would have it. Please join me in lifting Steven's family, community, and close friends in prayer during this dark time. We're going to miss you Smitty. God Bless. 73, Nathan Bailey Sulphur Springs, TX

Contributed by: Nathan Bailey (N5REL)

My best friend since the 8th grade. The following link tells it all about Smitty. Prayers be with Linda and family. May God provide special comfort for his brother Stuart. http://www.texarkanagazette.com/news/opinion/c olumns/story/2016/apr/01/racetrack-accident- claims-good-man/419785/

Contributed by: Jim Collom (N5YU)

I regret not knowing Steve very long. However, it took a very short time to see he was a fine man. Steve always had a word of encouragement for others and I never heard him say a negative thing about anyine else. I am deeply saddened for his families loss.

Contributed by: Brent Ingvardsen (W5GAS)

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