CHESTERTOWN, Md. - Francis J. "Jerry" Smithson, of Chestertown, died on Monday, Aug. 8, 2011, at Chester River Hospital Center. He was 86. Mr. Smithson was born on May 2, 1925, in Elkridge, Md. He was the son of the late Charles Francis and Dorothy Tyrone Davis Smithson. He enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps and served 3 years overseas in England during World War II. Mr. Smithson continued his service with the 175th Maryland Air National Guard. He served for a total of 40 years and retired as Chief Master Sergeant in May of 1985. He was former St. Paul's Church Sunday School Superintendant, former Planning and Zoning Commissioner in Rock Hall, former President of Board of Directors of Upper Shore Aging for Kent County, a member of the Rock Hall senior Citizens and a 13 year member of the Sgt. Preston Ashley American Legion, Post #228 in Rock Hall where he served as Chaplain. He was also a member of the Maryland Air National Guard Retiree's Association. Mr. Smithson enjoyed volunteering his time, reading and gardening. In addition to his wife of 25 years, Joyce B. Smetana Smithson, he is survived by his daughter; Sherrie A. Jordan and husband Raymond D. of Eldersburg, Md.; his son, Jonathan J. Smithson of Westminster, Md.; his half-sister, Beatrice M. Fritz; three grandchildren, Maegan C. Smithson Armell, Nathaniel J. Jordan and Sean R. Smithson; and two great-grandchildren, Taylor and Riley. He was predeceased by his brothers, Joseph H. and Charles D. Smithson. A memorial service will be 11 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 13, 2011, at St. Paul's Church in Chestertown, Md. Interment will be in St. Paul's Church Cemetery following the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to St. Paul's Cemetery Fund 7579 Sandy Bottom Road, Chestertown, MD 21620. Arrangements have been made by: Fellows, Helfenbein & Newnam Funeral Home, P.A. 130 Speer Road - Chestertown, MD 21620. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.fhnfuneralhome.com.