CDR Harold Arthur Smith, USN (Ret.)

CDR Harold Arthur Smith, USN (Ret.), 95, of Virginia Beach, VA and formerly of Albuquerque, NM died peacefully in his sleep on August 29, 2020. Born in Las Angeles, CA, he was the son of the late Dr. Merrick A. V. Smith and Wilma Merrick Smith.

A veteran of World War II and the Korean War, CDR Smith was a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy Class of 1948 and retired in 1969 after 26 years in the U.S. Navy.  He was a naval aviator receiving his wings in 1950. He earned a Master of Science in Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.  During his Naval career, he made significant contributions to Research, Development, Test and Evaluation projects in the fields of new aircraft, air anti-submarine warfare, aircraft engines and advanced marine vehicles (hovercraft and hydrofoils).

After retiring from the U.S. Navy, he worked as General Manager of Phillips Oldsmobile, Phillips Mercedes Benz and Greenbrier Volvo.

In his youth, he became an Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts of America and was a New Mexico State Tennis Champion. He loved to golf and fly fish.

In addition to his parents, Harold was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia W. Smith and daughter, Katherine J. Smith.  Left to cherish his memories are two daughters, Ann E. Schmidt (John) and Nan S. Kesler; two sons, Wayne A. Smith and Donald T. Smith, all of Virginia Beach; six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

The family would like to extend our warm appreciation for the professional and compassionate services of The Memory Center, Interim Hospice as well as Elder Care at Home.

Services will be private.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice.  Condolences may be offered to the family at www.hollomon-brown.com.