It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Hugh "Smittie" Smith, a devoted husband, loving father, and distinguished American veteran, who departed this life on August 27, 2026, at the age of 93. Smittie's legacy will forever be held dear in the hearts of his family and friends.

Smittie was born in January of 1933 in Washington Court House, Ohio. He graduated from Washington Court House High School in 1951, immediately entering the Army where he was trained as an infantryman. He was with Army Special Forces out of Fort Bragg and was sent to Korea after the war to train the Republic of Korea Armed Forces in hand-to-hand combat and guerilla warfare tactics.

Smittie did two tours with the infantry in Vietnam, with the first being 1967-68. He earned a Silver Star at Landing Zone White. Landing Zone White (also known as Firebase Kate, LZ Kate or Firebase White) is a former U.S. Army base northwest of Quang Duc Province in southern Vietnam near the Cambodian border. His second tour was from 1971-72.

Smittie served for 26 years and rose to the rank of Command Sergeant Major, retiring in 1978. During his years of service, Smittie was awarded a number of medals and commendations including the Legion of Merit, Silver Star, Bronze Star, and Purple Heart. After leaving the Army, Smittie worked as a math teacher and then for 20 years as a receiving/purchasing agent for Martin Gillett, Inc., a condiment factory.

Hugh leaves behind his beloved wife of over 40 years, Linda J. Smith, whose strength and companionship were unwavering throughout their life together. He was the cherished father of Patrick E. Smith and his wife Stephanie, and Dawn L. Roksiewicz and her husband Richard, and his late daughter, Juanita K. McCaskill and her husband Bruce. Smittie's legacy of love extends to his cherished grandchildren, Ethan, Zoey, Richard, Ryan, Luke, Cierra, Destiny, Shannon, Holly and Hope, as well as being a proud great-grandfather to Benjamin, Xander, Alaina, Malachi, Shandon, Kade, Harley, Lorie, and Kaleb. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Patricia Smith, and many nieces and nephews.

Smittie was an avid sports enthusiast, including baseball, football, basketball (played all three in high school), racquetball, boxing, weightlifting, running, biking, softball and bowling (and he hated losing). He also was a hunter, enjoyed working on cars, and in his younger days enjoyed being on the farm. Smittie also liked to play cards with his brothers and sisters. He also enjoyed volunteering at his church, including serving as an usher, counting the offerings every week, and reading his Bible every morning.

A public viewing will be held at the Connelly Funeral Home of Dundalk, 7110 Sollers Point Road, on August 31, 2026, from 2-4 & 6-8 PM. Funeral services will be conducted at Rosedale Baptist Church, 9202 Philadelphia Road, on September 1, 2026, at 10:00 AM, where we will gather to celebrate Hugh's remarkable life and the indelible impact he had on all who knew him. Following the service, a graveside ceremony will be held at Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens, 200 E Padonia Road, where he will be laid to rest with military honors.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Smittie's memory may be made to Medical Missions Outreach or Rosedale Baptist Missionaries.

In this time of grief, let us remember Hugh "Smittie" Smith not only for his service to our country but also for the profound love and generosity he shared with his family. May his memory be a source of comfort and inspiration for all who had the privilege of knowing him.