Retired Staff Sergeant Otis Nathaniel Smiley (Thursday, September 15, 1932 – Saturday, November 25, 2023) passed away peacefully in Mobile, Alabama on November 25, 2023. Click here to read the full obituary.

Smiley served in the United States Army for over two decades, displaying bravery and leadership in the Korean and Vietnam Wars with the I Corps and 5th Infantry Division.

During his time in Darmstadt, Germany, he further exemplified his dedication to service. He received numerous awards and decorations for his service, including the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, and the Combat Infantryman Badge.

Beyond his military career, Otis worked as a Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps Instructor (JROTC) at Toulminville High School in the Mobile County Public School Systems.

He was one of the first African-American JROTC Instructors in the school system and enjoyed shaping the lives of young people with his wisdom and experience.

The visitation will be held on Sunday, December 3, 2023, from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm at Small’s Mortuary in Mobile, AL 36603. The second visitation will take place on Monday, December 4, 2023, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm at Union Missionary Baptist Church in Mobile, Alabama 36610. Click here to read the full obituary.