Tom Smith

Tom Smith Jr, aged 97 years, of Bel Air MD, passed away at 10:07 am Thursday, September 4, 2025, while under long term care and hospice. He had been in declining health for the past few years due to fall which had him admitted to a long-term care facility.

Born May 20, 1928, in Stoneville Mississippi, he was the son of the late Tom Smith Sr. and Mary Shockey-Smith, and the husband of the Ella Smith. He had resided in Bel Air MD for over 36 years and was a pillar in the community. Mr. Smith’s military decorations and legacy is extraordinary, having served in both World War II (US Navy) and during the Korean War (US Army) receiving a wartime commission as Second Lieutenant (2LT). During the Korean War he received the Purple Heart for wounds sustained in combat on December 1, 1951, near Chongdong Korea while serving with Company E, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division. He retired in 1969 as Master Sergeant (MSG) E-8 in the US Army (after Korea wartime Reduction in Force). Mr. Smith received a B.S. in Electronics from Alabama A&M University and a M.S. in Education from Jackson State University. During his military and post military career he designed, developed and wrote technical manuals for various cold war missile guidance sub-systems for the US Army and the US Navy (Polaris/Trident). Mr. Smith was an avid teacher in mathematics and electronics, having served in various teaching capacities in the Harford County Public School system and with the Harford Community College. Lastly, he was an avid Amateur Radio Operator for nearly 50 years, having earned the highest FCC rating in the hobby, that of the coveted Amateur Extra.

Mr. Smith always held a big smile and kind words for all who came his way. He was a bright beacon of hope and his students young and old appreciated his enthusiasm for teaching. Mr. Smith was a member of the Ames United Methodist Church congregation earlier in life.

Surviving him is his wife Ella Smith and other relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his parents Tom Smith Sr. and Mary Shockey-Smith.

Services are Private.