Keith A. Smith
November 11, 1928 ~ September 7, 2012
LtGen Keith A. Smith, USMC (Ret.)
LtGen Keith A. Smith, age 83 died on Friday, September 7, 2012 peacefully, surrounded by his family. Beloved husband of Shirley L. Smith; father of Kelly Smith, Timothy Smith, Holly Smith, Cynthia Smith, Lynn Derbyshire, Thad Smith, Tadgh Smith, Tara Rose and he late Capt Vincent Smith, USMC and brother of Mildred Deife and Robert Smith. He is also survived by 17 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to "The Marine Corps Heritage Foundation" in support of the National Museum of the Marine Corps, 3800 Fettler Park Drive, Suite 104 Dumfries, Virginia 22026 or to the Semper Fi Fund, 825 College Blvd, Suite 103, PMB 609, Oceanside, California 92057, http://semperfifund.org/.
Funeral Home:
Money & King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA
US 22180
LtGen Keith A. Smith, age 83 died on Friday, September 7, 2012 peacefully, surrounded by his family. Beloved husband of Shirley L. Smith; father of Kelly Smith, Timothy Smith, Holly Smith, Cynthia Smith, Lynn Derbyshire, Thad Smith, Tadgh Smith, Tara Rose and he late Capt Vincent Smith, USMC and brother of Mildred Deife and Robert Smith. He is also survived by 17 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to "The Marine Corps Heritage Foundation" in support of the National Museum of the Marine Corps, 3800 Fettler Park Drive, Suite 104 Dumfries, Virginia 22026 or to the Semper Fi Fund, 825 College Blvd, Suite 103, PMB 609, Oceanside, California 92057, http://semperfifund.org/.
Funeral Home:
Money & King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA
US 22180
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I had the honor and pleasure of traveling in Israel with Keith in the 1980s. He was thoughtful, cheerful and an amazing addition to our group. I think of him fondly and with great respect.
Dear Shirley, Please accept my deepest and most heartfelt sympathy. You and Keith were a wonderful example of dedicated service to country, God and military families. I cannot be with you at Quantico as the nation pays its final honors to Keith, but I will be with you in prayer that day at First Friday Mass at a nursing home in which I volunteer. Thank you for all you both contributed to NMFA. Love, Rosemary Locke
Dear Shirley, I was so sorry to hear of Keith’s death. Bob and I send our most heartfelt condolences to you and your family. Keith and Bob were truly comrads-in-arms as well as the best of friends. His devotion to God, Country and our beloved Marine Corps will never be forgoton. Love, Anne
In the 1990s, Keith was responsible for the neighborhood watch in the area where we both lived. I was his deputy. He ran some of the best meetings (quick, efficient, effective) that I have ever attended. He had a razor-sharp mind, a quick wit, and a no-nonsense demeanor. He also had a twinkle in his eye that assured you that he didn’t take himself too seriously. In later years, I saw him often after he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s. He never complained and remained engaged and interested in what was going on in the world. He was an outstanding man, a generous neighbor, and a good friend.
Dear Shirley and Family, We were saddened to see in the Post that Keith passed. We fondly remember you both from Pearl City in the early 70’s and the wonderful gathering on that Thanksgiving when we all experienced the original “Hail Mary Pass”. Praying for you all and may Keith rest in God’s light and peace. Jeanne & Larry
Your family is in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
To the Smiths, I am sad to read of the death of your father. He raised such a nice family, and I have fond childhood memories of the time spent with you.
To the family of Keith A. Smith: My condolences for your loss. I did not know your husband and father but happened across the notice of his burial in the Quantico Sentry. I was amazed reading his service record and am sure his personal life and dedication to family was no less amazing. Thanks to your family for service to our country. It’s my honor to just express heartfelt thanks and best wishes to your family. Sincerely,
TO THE SMITH FAMILY. I DID NOT KNOW YOUR DAD. A GREAT LOSS, GOD BLESS YOU SIR, REST IN PEACE SEMPER FI SGT DAVID MURPHY 62-66.
In 1969 I flew with then LtCol Smith as a Playboy in H&MS -11. When he brought VMFA-542 back to El Toro from Vietnam, I rode a ship home with 2 of his officers and 25 enlisted. We arrived in Feb 1970 and came off the ship in boats to land at the boat ramp at Del Mar, Camp Pendleton. As I walked up the ramp a voice called out, “Welcome Home Woody.” I have told people for years that was my welcome home from Vietnam so that unlike many of my contemporaries, I got one. LtGen Smith has been my hero since that day – that has always illustrated USMC leadership to me. He’d probably been home himself for 2 days and brought his entire family down to welcome his Marines (and me) home. Please accept my heart felt sympathy for his loss. He remains my hero to this date. He was a great man and Marine Corps Leader. Semper fi Larry Wood, Playboy 68.
Mrs. Smith ( and family ). I am saddened to learn of the passing of your husband. I was his driver for almost a year and a half while he was the Commanding General of the 2nd Marine Corps Air Wing at Cherry Point N.C.
To me he was the epitome of what a Marine Officer was and should be. I would pick him up at your house in the morning and drive him to the Headquarters building, usually a half an hour or more before the rest of the staff would show up. I would sit in his office and we would just talk. I very much looked up to him as a Man, a husband, a father and of course as a Marine. Serving under him was one of the proudest things I had done during my time in the Marine Corps. I still have the photo he gave to me when I was through being his driver. Once again…I am truly sorry.