LTC David B. Smith
September 15, 1941 ~ December 29, 2020
David B. Smith passed away at his home in Vienna, VA after a year of declining health. David spent his last days at home, grateful to be surrounded by beloved family. He is survived by his wife Peggy; his son Matthew and daughter-in-law Anna; his son Mark and daughter-in-law Alicia; grandchildren Katharine, Clayton, and Charlie; his sister-in-law Mary Ann; his niece Margaret; and nephew Daniel.
David lived a principled, honorable life. He leaves behind legacies in his children and grandchildren, and legacies also evident in the comments pouring in from people his life touched. The beliefs that animated David included the tenets of his Christian faith, his deep love and loyalty to his family and friends, his curiosity and love of learning, and his belief in duty and service to country, community, and the needs of others.
The only son of Army COL Russell B. Smith and Mary Gougler Smith, David was commissioned into the US Army in 1963, upon completing undergraduate studies at Rutgers University. He earned a Masters degree in Geography at Rutgers and later a second Masters in Modern Greek Studies at the University of Cincinnati. He was a graduate of the Defense Language Institute, the Command and General Staff College, the Armed Forces Staff College, the Foreign Service Institute, and the Greek War College.
David’s twenty-eight years of service in the Army included two combat tours in Vietnam, three assignments in Greece as a Foreign Area Officer and Army Attaché, staff assignments at the Pentagon, and service as an instructor at the School of Attaché Training. David retired from active duty in 1993 with many achievements, and many colorful stories. His awards included the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Bronze Star, two Defense Meritorious Service Medals, and numerous other awards, medals, and accolades from US and allied militaries.
David was more than a good soldier. Deeply devoted to his wife, Peggy, his 53-year marriage was noteworthy not only for its obvious love, but also for the diversity of their shared adventures and goals. David loved doing just about everything together—whether it was raising kids or facing adversity, building a home, gardening or grocery runs, travel or spending time at home with friends and family. He and Peggy threw themselves into every endeavor together—often with their children and grandchildren along for the ride.
We remember him as a man who loved history and travel, and who was at ease speaking with almost anyone. He loved nature, pets, bird watching, hunting, fishing. He taught as a Fairfax County substitute teacher for years. He volunteered to teach citizenship requirements to Vietnamese immigrants. He was a poll worker during elections, and served in various roles in his church. He loved rock-and-roll, movies, concerts, Shakespeare, museums, theater, historical markers, and silly jokes. He loved all kinds of food, and finding “new taste treats.” He and Peggy never stopped seeking chances to experience what he called “local color” wherever they went.
David joined the Vienna Host Lions Club in 2006, soon recruited Peggy, and remained devoted to the organization and its charity work for the rest of his life. He served as the club’s president, and was voted “Lion of the Year” and was twice recognized as a Melvin Jones Fellow for his work with the organization. His fellow Lions will remember him for many things, and perhaps especially for his enthusiasm and creativity in planning – with Peggy of course – multiple annual “Mystery Trips” for fellow Lions.
LTC David B. Smith’s remains will be buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery later this year, at a date yet to be scheduled. Anyone wishing to make a donation in his memory may want to consider Fisher House, which helps military families with transportation and housing to be near a loved one being treated for illness, disease or injury.
Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. (Revelation 2:10)
David lived a principled, honorable life. He leaves behind legacies in his children and grandchildren, and legacies also evident in the comments pouring in from people his life touched. The beliefs that animated David included the tenets of his Christian faith, his deep love and loyalty to his family and friends, his curiosity and love of learning, and his belief in duty and service to country, community, and the needs of others.
The only son of Army COL Russell B. Smith and Mary Gougler Smith, David was commissioned into the US Army in 1963, upon completing undergraduate studies at Rutgers University. He earned a Masters degree in Geography at Rutgers and later a second Masters in Modern Greek Studies at the University of Cincinnati. He was a graduate of the Defense Language Institute, the Command and General Staff College, the Armed Forces Staff College, the Foreign Service Institute, and the Greek War College.
David’s twenty-eight years of service in the Army included two combat tours in Vietnam, three assignments in Greece as a Foreign Area Officer and Army Attaché, staff assignments at the Pentagon, and service as an instructor at the School of Attaché Training. David retired from active duty in 1993 with many achievements, and many colorful stories. His awards included the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Bronze Star, two Defense Meritorious Service Medals, and numerous other awards, medals, and accolades from US and allied militaries.
David was more than a good soldier. Deeply devoted to his wife, Peggy, his 53-year marriage was noteworthy not only for its obvious love, but also for the diversity of their shared adventures and goals. David loved doing just about everything together—whether it was raising kids or facing adversity, building a home, gardening or grocery runs, travel or spending time at home with friends and family. He and Peggy threw themselves into every endeavor together—often with their children and grandchildren along for the ride.
We remember him as a man who loved history and travel, and who was at ease speaking with almost anyone. He loved nature, pets, bird watching, hunting, fishing. He taught as a Fairfax County substitute teacher for years. He volunteered to teach citizenship requirements to Vietnamese immigrants. He was a poll worker during elections, and served in various roles in his church. He loved rock-and-roll, movies, concerts, Shakespeare, museums, theater, historical markers, and silly jokes. He loved all kinds of food, and finding “new taste treats.” He and Peggy never stopped seeking chances to experience what he called “local color” wherever they went.
David joined the Vienna Host Lions Club in 2006, soon recruited Peggy, and remained devoted to the organization and its charity work for the rest of his life. He served as the club’s president, and was voted “Lion of the Year” and was twice recognized as a Melvin Jones Fellow for his work with the organization. His fellow Lions will remember him for many things, and perhaps especially for his enthusiasm and creativity in planning – with Peggy of course – multiple annual “Mystery Trips” for fellow Lions.
LTC David B. Smith’s remains will be buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery later this year, at a date yet to be scheduled. Anyone wishing to make a donation in his memory may want to consider Fisher House, which helps military families with transportation and housing to be near a loved one being treated for illness, disease or injury.
Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. (Revelation 2:10)
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Dad, Thank you for being the best father anyone could ever ask for. You will always be my hero. I miss you. I love you. Mark
In loving memory we would like to honor LTC David Smith with this beautiful tree. We send our deepest love to the entire family. Love Denaro family.
David was such a great person with a charming and curious personality. One of the best storytellers I’ve ever met! When David started to tell a story, you just knew that you were in for a treat. He was animated and well-articulated. He’d stop for dramatic pauses, with a smile and a twinkle of mischievousness in his eyes, that would commend everyone’s attention. He knew when he had you hooked. My most endearing memory of him, and something I shall always take with me, was his earnest enthusiasm about the little things in life. It’s such a gift to be able to find joy out of everyday life! Whether it was a red fox that crossed his path or, a great meal he had or, an article about something that piqued his interest, he spoke of it with such excitement and gusto, energizing everyone around him. But most importantly, because he modeled such enthusiasm, those around him also started to pay better attention to the little things. To David, things could be ordinary but dull only if you allowed it to be. Thank you David, for that beautiful lesson. My thoughts are with all his family at this difficult moment. May God embrace him in his eternal love and may He give you all strength to endure the days ahead. Love, Gisele Johnson
I have such wonderful memories of David from the first time we met at the Pentagon in 1973. David was an outstanding Army intelligence officer and a true expert on all issues relating to Greece, Turkey and Cyprus. He did a fantastic job on mutiple tours as an Army attache in Athens. He was very generous in teaching me about Greece. We enjoyed time spent with our families on several trips to Greece. David’s family would spend Christmas with us in Germany. What good memories. He was a fantastic tour guide, particularly on a unique trip to visit Thessaloniki and monasteries on Mount Athos. That was a truly remarkable experience. After retirement, David and Peggy were very generous in stepping up to help others, particularly as a member of the Lions. Linda and I will always remember the mystery trips that they enthusiastically organized for the group. He was a good and close friend and will be greatly missed. May he rest in peace. Love, Terry and Linda Bathen
In a lifetime, there are certain people who will always remain in your heart. David and Peggy are two of these lovely people. David will be missed but his memory lives on. God Bless his Family. Emil and Shirley Guglielmo
So many memories of a wonderful father and grandfather. I give thanks to God for his life, and the blessing it was to this family.
Condolences Matt and family.
Dave was a good friend and fellow army officer. He was smart, courageous, and achieved great satisfaction and recognition in his professional and private life. Dave was an Army Transportation Corps officer who also became a Foreign Area Officer early in his career and specialized in Greek military and national security issues. Because of his extensive knowledge of Greece, the Greek language, and courage he served several assignments in Greece, including as the Defense and Army attache. These critical assignments were difficult enough under normal circumstances, but Dave was there during especially challenging times because of domestic Greek political developments and active international terrorism. Because he was an outstanding attache, Dave was nominated to teach at the Defense Intelligence Agency’s Attache School. He taught many military officers from the various services how to properly represent the US abroad and how to be successful attachés, especially those serving in the southern European arena. Dave knew what was important and ensured his students were able to excel. In addition to being an exemplary Army officer, Dave thrived in his private life as well. He had numerous interests, a great sense of humor, and he was always full of energy. His family trips were legendary, meticulously researched, planned, and executed. Mary and I really enjoyed receiving the postcard travel reports. The annual Big Game party underscored Dave’s creativity, sense of humor, and generosity. Peggy and David traditionally hosted the Big Game party on Super Bowl Sunday for many years. People not in the know thought it was just another Super Bowl-related gathering. No! Dave was an enthusiastic deer hunter and fisherman too. The Big Game party was about the deer Dave bagged while hunting. They wanted to share the “big game” along with many other delicacies with their friends and neighbors. Dave also loved good music, and we often attended the military concerts in the DC area together, followed by a wonderful meal in the vicinity of the concert. Dave certainly enjoyed life to the fullest, which included finding great little restaurants with delicious food. The key to understanding Dave, however, was understanding his relationships with his wonderful wife,Peggy, and sons Matthew and Mark. Their mutual love, respect, and enthusiasm for each other was exemplary. It is with profound sorrow that Mary and I bid our friend Dave a final heartfelt farewell. His passing is a profound loss for his beloved family and friends. Bernie and Mary
Please accept my deepest condolences for your family’s loss. May you be comforted by the outpouring of love surrounding you.
David and I were longtime friends, having met at Rutgers in 1963 while we both pursued advanced degrees in Geography. Our paths then diverged, he forging a distinguished military career and me beginning an academic career that lasted 50 years. We maintained regular contact throughout those 50+ years, crossing paths (alas, too briefly) on two memorable occasions during the 1990s. In addition to his many other achievements, David was a first-rate geographer who specialized in the Mediterranean region and geopolitics. We had a great deal of fun during our grad student years and very much enjoyed corresponding regularly with each other after that. I shall miss him greatly. My wife, Nancy, and I extend our deepest condolences to Peggy, Matthew, and Mark, and the entire family. Peter and Nancy Muller, Coral Gables, FL
A remarkable life well lived by an unforgettable friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Smith family. Peter and Nancy Muller.
rest in peace dave…i have fond memories of our time at rutgers…always a stimulating thinker with a real sense of humor
David was such a gentleman with a lovely sense of fun. There was always a twinkle in his eye and a lilt in his voice. His mystery trips always conveyed a feeling of fun and comradery. His courtesy and kindness will live beyond him. His welcoming presence is truly missed by his Lions Club brothers and sisters.