KILMARNOCK—It is difficult to put into words what it means to lose our dad.
The Honorable Dr. Curtis Henry Smith, a beloved father, brother, pharmacist, public servant, Christian and friend, passed away on April 22, 2026, at the age of 73.
Curtis was born on August 12, 1952, in his childhood home in Sunnybank. He was raised in Reedville and graduated from Northumberland High School in 1970. He went on to Ferrum College, earning his associate of science in 1972, before receiving his bachelor of science in pharmacy from the Medical College of Virginia in 1975. He later earned his doctor of pharmacy from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Pharmacy in 2001, reflecting the determination, curiosity and commitment to lifelong learning that defined his career.
While attending Northumberland High School, Curtis met his high school sweetheart, Marilyn Rose Bowles. They married on August 13, 1977, and together built a life centered around family, faith and community. They raised three children: their son, Marshall Riess Smith, and twins, Madison Rose Smith and Miles Curtis Smith.
Family was Dad’s greatest source of pride. He was the father who showed up. He never missed a game, even when his children were playing in two different counties, and he embraced every opportunity to be part of our lives. Some of our favorite memories are the stories from the middle school field trips where Dad volunteered as a chaperone—and the shenanigans that inevitably followed. His humor, strong opinions and unmistakable presence made even ordinary moments memorable.
Dad was a remarkably hardworking man who dedicated his life to the pharmacy profession and the care of others. He served as an assistant clinical professor of pharmacy at VCU-MCV for 30 years, sharing his knowledge and experience with generations of pharmacy students. He also devoted 30 years to Rappahannock General Hospital, where he helped establish the pharmacy and served as director of pharmacy. He later served as director of pharmacy at Bon Secours Mary Immaculate Hospital in Newport News for 11 years. After a distinguished career spanning decades in education, healthcare and hospital leadership, he retired in April 2018. His professional accomplishments reflected not only his expertise but also his belief in the importance of serving others.
His faith was a steady part of his life. He was raised in the church community of Bethany United Methodist Church in Reedville, where he later served on its administrative board. He subsequently became a member and deacon of Kilmarnock Baptist Church, where he raised his family and continued to serve his community through his faith.
Dad’s love for people was reflected in a long tenured commitment to public service. He began serving the Town of Kilmarnock in 1994, dedicating decades to the community he called home. Throughout his years of service, he chaired every town committee on which he served, bringing his time, knowledge and determination to the work of improving the town. He served on the planning commission, as its chairman, and served several terms on town council. He also served over 10 terms as vice mayor before being elected mayor, a position he held from 2006 to 2010.
His service extended well beyond town government. He volunteered at the Northern Neck Middlesex County Free Health Clinic and served on the board of the Maternity Center of the Northern Neck. He was a member of several professional pharmacy organizations and served as past president of the Chesapeake Bay District Pharmacists Association. He also served as past master of Lancaster Union Lodge No. 88 and was a past member of Reedville Lodge No. 321. His Masonic service included work on the finance committee of the Grand Lodge of Virginia.
Dad gave his time, knowledge and opinion freely, always believing there was something he could do to help. Whether in a hospital, a town meeting, a pharmacy classroom, a church, or a community gathering, he found ways to make himself useful and to make a difference.
Everyone knew Curtis. He had a gift for connecting with people and could rarely go anywhere without stopping to talk to someone. He remembered people, had an opinion about just about everything and was never shy about sharing it. His personality, dedication and genuine interest in others made him a familiar and unforgettable presence throughout the Northern Neck and beyond.
And then there was Minnie, his beloved dog and constant companion.
Dad adored Minnie, and the two of them shared a special bond. On weekends, they could often be found together at the Kilmarnock dog park or in the Wendy’s drive-through, with Minnie riding shotgun while Dad picked up her favorite ice cream. Those simple routines captured the tenderness behind the larger-than-life man so many people knew. Minnie brought him companionship, joy and a special kind of comfort, and she was never far from his side.
Dad experienced tremendous loss throughout his life, including the passing of his beloved wife, Marilyn; and his son, Marshall. These losses left an immeasurable void, yet his love for his family remained at the center of his life. He carried their memories with him and continued to find meaning in the family and community that surrounded him.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn Rose Bowles Smith; his son, Marshall Riess Smith; his mother, Easter Deihl Smith; his father, Orrie Lee Smith Sr.; his mother-in-law, Margaret Riess Bowles; his father-in-law, Milton Robert Bowles; and his sisters-in-law, Mary-Margaret Byerman Bowles and Melinda Ramona Bowles.
He is survived by his children, Miles Curtis Smith and Madison Rose Smith; Madison’s partner, Carley; her son, Oliver, who held a special place in his heart; Miles’ stepdaughters, Madeline Somers, Aubrey Somers and Kiera Lee; his brother, Orrie Lee Smith Jr., and sister-in-law, Cindy Smith; his brother’s children, Lori Pettit and Chris Smith, along with their families; his sister-in-law, Betsy Anne Bowles; and countless relatives, friends, colleagues, former students, former patients, church members, Masonic brothers and community members whose lives he touched.
Curtis was a lot of things to a lot of people, but to Miles and Madison, he was simply Dad. We wish we could have had more time—more conversations, more stories and more ordinary weekends. More opportunities to hear his opinions, laugh at his antics and watch him do what he did best: show up for the people he loved.
We are grateful for the time we had, the example he set and the life he gave us. His legacy lives on in the family he raised, the students he taught, the patients he served, the town he helped shape and the countless people who will remember him in their own way.
Dad, we love you. We will miss you every day. And we promise to keep telling your stories.
Celebration of Life
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, October 17, at Kilmarnock Baptist Church, with a reception to follow in the church fellowship hall.
A Masonic graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. at Roseland Cemetery in Reedville.
Family and friends are welcome to attend either or both services.
Miles and Madison invite anyone who has a photograph of or with their dad to bring it to the service and share a story or memory. We would love for the service to be filled not only with pictures of Dad, but with the stories of the people whose lives he touched.
The family welcomes flowers and asks that they be delivered to Kilmarnock Baptist Church for the service.
