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The man with a thousand sons WWII vet, ag teacher and mentor to many in Wagener turns 100 BY JOSH P. CROTZER
has consistently been a protecting, guiding force in his life. After 100 years—he celebrates the milestone birthday on January 11—the World War II U.S. Army veteran and longtime Wagener educator can tell a lot of stories that will back up his faith in divine intervention. “Throughout my whole life, I feel that somehow the Lord had a purpose for me,” says Smith. “I’m just thankful that I have good memories of all the people that I had the opportunity to serve and work and be acquainted with.” Smith’s memories are indeed sharp. He can recount every mission his platoon took, fighting their way across Europe in WWII. One of those missions was especially memorable and impactful. His unit was among the first to reach German soil, and six miles beyond the Siegfried Line, they began taking fire. After a near miss from a German bazooka, he was shot in the face by a German rifle. Although his face was numb in that moment, Smith felt a sense of purpose that was profound and lasting. “I had to tell the good Lord, if he would let me put my feet back on USA soil, I’ll never leave it again,” says Smith, whose nose and mouth were repaired through plastic surgery. “And I’ll try to do something worthwhile for mankind.” And so begins the tale of the man with a thousand sons, many of whom have their own stories about the teacher who mentored them at Aiken County’s Wagener-Salley High School. A native of Oconee County, Smith settled in Wagener with his wife, Lelline, where they raised two daughters. His role as the SPENCER SMITH BELIEVES GOD
school’s vocational agriculture teacher from 1947 until 1982 was critical to the small farming community. According to his successor in that role, Allen Williams, Smith brought technology and modern methods to the local farms. “He was a direct link to Clemson University agriculture, research and experiments,” says Williams. “He helped them revolutionize their agricultural practices.” But his role in the development of young minds and spirits may be of greater consequence. Whether he was teaching science, woodworking, plumbing or leading the local chapter of Future Farmers of America, Smith imparted discipline, love and a wealth of life lessons to the hundreds of (mostly) boys who took his courses. “Mr. Smith treated his students as
SOUTH CAROLINA LIVING | JANUARY 2022 | SCLIVING.COOP
JOS H P. C ROT ZE R
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Spencer Smith imparted discipline, love and a wealth of life lessons to the hundreds of (mostly) boys who took his courses.
Spencer Smith on a visit to the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., above, and at home in Wagener, left. He is celebrating his 100th birthday on January 11.
though they were his sons,” says Doug Busbee, a member of Smith’s last class at Wagener-Salley High and whose own son is now the vocational agriculture teacher at the school. “Even when we were being disciplined, we never doubted that he cared about us.” That affection is returned to Smith frequently, especially by the many students who became civic, business and military leaders. They often check in on their old teacher to reminisce and say thank you. After all, the lessons he still teaches might keep their feet in the soil for a long time. “The main secret [to a long life] is to never quit doing and never quit loving other people,” he says. “Never create animosity or hate toward anyone because those things grind away at you like cancer.”
