Christopher C. Smith

Christopher C. Smith, 48, of Newport died unexpectedly, September 22, 2015. Christopher was born in Newport, Rhode Island on May 8, 1967. He was the son of Richard J. Smith of Middletown and the late Mary P. (Collins) Smith. Christopher grew up in Newport and attended Newport Schools. Christopher served in the Rhode Island Army National Guard. He enlisted and proudly served in the US Army. He served in Saudi Arabia in Operation Desert Shield and then in Iraq in Operation Desert Storm. He was a member of the 24th Infantry Division 3- 7th INF Battalion. He received numerous awards for his participation in the Gulf War, but was particularly proud of his Combat Infantryman Badge and two Bronze Stars. After he completed his military service, Christopher was employed as a correctional officer at Huntsville Correctional Facility located in Huntsville, Texas and the Clyde M. Johnston Unit in Winnsboro, Texas. He was currently employed by Newport Grand for the past 15 years. Affectionately, known as "Cold Beer", by all who knew him, he was a member of the National Rifle Association. He was also a member of The Newport Rifle Club and Tiverton Rod and Gun Club. He was an avid NASCAR fan and attended many races throughout the years. He was particularly fond of Dale Earnhardt, Jr. He was also an avid New England Patriots and Boston Red Sox fan. Christopher was also an avid history buff, particularly military history. He owned an extensive library; he was especially fascinated by General George S. Patton. Christopher was the loving and proud father of Zachary Bradshaw of Warwick, Rhode Island, Sarah Smith (John), and Collin Smith of Winnsboro, Texas. He is also survived by his siblings Karen M. Doyle (John) of Newport, Kevin M. Smith of Middletown, Patricia A. Brown of Newport, Nancy E. Smith (Paul) of Tamarac, Florida and Kerry A. Murphy (Paul) of Newport and many nieces and nephews. He was expecting his first grandchild in early 2016. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, September 30, 2015, from 4-8pm in the Memorial Funera Home, 375 Broadway, Newport.His funeral will be held on Thursday, October 1, 2015, at 9am from the funeral home followed by A Mass of Christian Burial at 10am in St. Joseph's Church, Broadway, Newport. Burial will be at St. Columba's Cemetery, Browns Lane, Middletown. In lieu of flowers donations in Christopher's memory may be made to the Wounded Warrior's Project https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org or to The Institute for the Study and Practice of Nonviolence http://www.nonviolenceinstitute.org. Cemetery Details St. Columba Catholic Cemetery Brown's Lane Middletown, RI, 02842 Visitation SEP 30. 04:00 PM - 08:00 PM Memorial Funeral Home 375 Broadway Newport, RI, US, 02840 info@memorialfuneralhome.com http://www.memorialfuneralhome.com Service OCT 1. 10:00 AM St. Josephs Church 1335 North Main Street Fall River, MA, US