IRVINGTON—On Friday, September 27, 2024, surrounded by his loving family, retired U.S. Marine Corps Colonel Donald George Smith, 91, went to be with our Lord. Don was preceded in death by his parents, Charles George Smith and Edith Jenny Smith; and brother, Robert.
Born in Winfield, Kansas, October 8, 1932, Don’s young life was happy and full of boyhood adventures and antics. On one occasion while playing fireman, he and a young friend managed to set the yard on fire which got the attention of the local fire department. During his middle years he picked up the game of tennis which he played for most of his life. As a teenager, Don developed a strong work ethic while working in the wheat fields in the summer and other various jobs.
He attended the University of Kansas and Emporia State Teachers College. Following graduation, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps where he served his country as a naval aviator. During his career, he qualified in jets, helicopters and fixed wing planes. He loved the Marine Corps, and as all marines, spent many tours away from home including Vietnam. During his last years of service, while serving in JAG, Don attended night school at George Washington University and earned his law degree. Upon retirement from the USMC, he practiced law in Fairfax County until retiring to the Northern Neck.
Over the next 30 years, Don was very involved in the community. He served in many positions in the Kilmarnock United Methodist Church. He loved singing in the choir, and you could always count on him to sell you a “spaghetti dinner” ticket. In his 80s he decided to take singing lessons and surprised the family by making a Christmas CD. He was our own “American Idol.”
Don served two years as president of the Indian Creek Yacht and Country Club where he was instrumental in getting an inside tennis court building which has been enjoyed by many including school tennis teams. As a member of the Sons of the American Revolution Richard Henry Lee chapter, Don served as president and on many committees earning the Distinguished Service Medal. He also served on the board at Rappahannock Westminster-Canterbury (RWC) and was involved with his community at Shore Acres.
Don enjoyed tennis, books and good conversations, his boat the Jay Hawk, George the cat, playing bridge with the guys, watching college basketball, the Redskins and the movie “Gunga Din.” But what he loved the most was family.
He leaves behind his beloved wife of 66 years, Jo Ann; and two daughters,Cassandra Lee Biddle (Brian) and Lauren Michelle Tredinnick (John); five grandchildren, Ashley Wade (Patrick), Michael Biddle (Erin), Christopher Biddle (Courtney), Kyle Biddle (Stephanie), Nathan Donald Standing Bear Tredinnick; and seven great-grandchildren, Evelyn and Mollie Wade, Addison, Brenden and Cameron Biddle and Jett and Heidi Biddle.
Don’s life was truly enriched by his many friends. He treasured them all. The family is so grateful and thankful for the loving care Don received from everyone while at RWC.
A celebration of life service will be held at 11 a.m. October 18 at RWC. In lieu of flowers Don would say, “Just give a smile and a hand up to someone in need.”
Currie Funeral Home LLC of Kilmarnock handled the arrangements.
