Randall Lee Smith, 68, Minot, died Tuesday, November 11, 2014 in a Minot hospital.

Randall was born in Duluth, Minnesota on October 16, 1946 to Basil E. and Bernice M. (Gidbout) Smith. He grew up in various locations and graduated from High School in Three Forks, Montana in 1964.

He enlisted into the US Air Force on September 8, 1964. He was stationed at Minot AFB, where he met and later married his wife, Janice on May 28, 1966 in Minot. Randall served in Thailand/Vietnam for 18 months and upon his return was transferred to Malmstrom AFB, Great Falls, MT. This would be their home for the next 20 years and where they would raise their family. Randall continued his service to his country as a member of the Montana Air National Guard from 1972 until his honorable discharge and retirement from the military in 1989.

Randall enjoyed various jobs after military retirement. He also enjoyed being a scout leader and contributed to the Hands Across the Border scouting campaign.

He enjoyed playing Santa Claus for his family, friends and at many local and military events over the years. Randall had been captivated by St. Nick since his youth. He could also be found fishing, hunting, camping, or working on a puzzle, but was fond of his role as a grandfather. He will be missed by all who shared in his life.

Randall is survived by his wife of 48 years, Janice (Kniffin) Smith, Minot; children, Trude (Jeremy) Skalicky, Twyla (Chad) Hofer, Derick Smith and Dustin Smith, all of Minot; grandchildren, Trisha (Mike) Mosser, Brad Hackworth, Cellest Hofer, Anastassia Hofer, Brandan Smith, Jessica Smith, Nadia Smith and Aidan Smith; great-grandchildren, Makayla, Jerzie and Gaven; brother, Gordon (Joyce) Smith, Youngstown, NY, Sharon Smith (sister-in-law) and numerous nieces and nephews.

Randall was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Clifford and son-in-law, Randy Hackworth.

Graveside Service with Military Honors: 11:00 a.m. Friday, November 14, 2014 at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan, ND.
Booksigning: Thursday, November 13, 2014, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Memorials are preferred to the Disabled American Veterans.