Paul Edwin Smith
October 10, 1935 ~ April 28, 2025
Born in:
Yeaman, Kentucky
Resided in:
Orlando, Florida
Paul Edwin Smith, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at the age of 89 after a life marked by service, devotion, and love.
Born in Yeaman, KY on October 10, 1935, Paul dedicated 26 years of distinguished service to his country in the United States Navy, retiring as a Master Chief. He continued his work in Naval Aviation training through an additional 26 years in the private sector, shaping and inspiring generations in the field he loved.
Paul shared nearly 70 beautiful years of marriage with his devoted wife, Thelma Smith. Together, they built a life centered on love, faith and family. Beyond raising four daughters together, Paul and Thelma fostered and loved 11 babies. He lived a life rich in laughter, kindness and connection. Paul is fondly remembered in his community as someone who never missed the chance to stop and chat and always lent a hand or a tool if needed. Paul believed life was better shared with family and his love is reflected in the laughter they shared, the love that binds them together and the way they cherish each other, just as he always did.
He is survived by his loving children: Debbie Spear (John), Sheila Orsburn, Terri Burgess (Larry), and Lisa Lehman (John). He was a proud grandfather to six and a great-grandfather to five, each of whom brought him immense joy.
A visitation will be held at Money and King Funeral Home in Vienna, VA on Saturday, May 10th at 11:00 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 12 noon. Burial with honors at Arlington National Cemetery will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Paul’s memory to Mercy Ships: https://www.mercyships.org/.
Paul’s legacy of service, kindness, and dedication will live on in all who knew and loved him.
Services
Visitation: May 10, 2025 11:00 am
Money and King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA 22180
703-938-7440
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2025-05-10 11:00:00
2025-05-10 11:00:00
PaulEdwinSmithVisitation
Visitation
171 W. Maple Ave. ,Vienna, VA 22180
Funeral Service: May 10, 2025 12:00 pm
Money and King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA 22180
703-938-7440
Add to My Calendar
America/New_York
2025-05-10 12:00:00
2025-05-10 12:00:00
PaulEdwinSmithFuneral Service
Funeral Service
171 W. Maple Ave. ,Vienna, VA 22180
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Charities
The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in Paul Edwin Smith 's name.
Memories Timeline
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UP. (Uncle Paul) was no ordinary man. If you are reading this I am not sharing anything you don’t already know. From his warm hugs, kisses and I love you, a pat on your back a smile on his face looking at you with his loving Smith blues. He was the first to share his feelings and where he stood with him.
UP was such a joker. He always kept us laughing. My family (husband and my twin daughters) were in the VA. area from GA. So we went over to visit UP and Aunt Thelma. UP quickly took my kids to his man cave in the basement. Very first thing he did was show my kids where his candy stash was. Told the kids this was between him, and them. No one upstairs is to know about it. This is also the day that I found out that UP had been lying to me for YEARS. When I was about 20. I was again in VA visiting them. UP took time off work. He took me all around D.C. Including the Pentagon. When I asked him what he did at the Pentagon he told his job was classified, Top Secret. So now 25 or so years later. I am back in this same living room. I begin to brag on my UP and is top secret job to my family. UP and Thelma look at me like I have lost my marbles. He looks at me and tells me he forgot telling me this, but it does sound like something he would say. My family burst out laughing. The joke was on me for a change. My family loved that visit and have talked about it a lot over the years. Another thing I learned on this trip. My UP also wore brown shirts. My entire life I only remember him wearing blue dress button down shirts. Maybe a white one. I often wondered did he mow the grass in a blue button down?
I feel lucky to have loved and liked UP!
Lisa Smith Hare
Sincerely,
Ben, Sarah, Logan and Maisie Ware
Sorry for your lost, my thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.
Our beloved brother in Christ Paul Smith lived a dedicated life of honorable personal humble service to his country in the U S NAVY and through his Smith family Paul served his Falls Church C of C family with dignity and love. We will always remember his friendly smile and cheerfulness. Paul was indeed a true brother, friend, gentleman and a defender of his faith in his Lord Jesus Christ. Truly a life legacy of Christian service to others, well lived for the Glory of his GOD. Sincerely our THIE family.