Paul R. Smith, CMSgt. (Retired) 'Smitty'
CAMDEN - Paul R. Smith, CMSgt. (Retired) "Smitty" went peacefully into the arms of his Heavenly Father on Friday, May 20, 2022, surrounded by his loving wife Sharon.
He was born June 16, 1940, in Dayton, Ohio, to the late Benjamin Elihue Smith and Ella Aronia Garrett Smith.
Paul graduated from Stebbins High School and then Honorably entered the U.S. Air Force in 1961 until his retirement in 1991. He served during the Vietnam War through Desert Shield/Desert Storm. During his tenure he "wore many hats" and loved all of his military companions who served with him. Many who knew the "Chief" loved working for him throughout his career. He was also stationed in Thailand, Plattsburg, Alaska and finally Dover AFB in 1974. Paul was a member of the Dover Elk's Lodge #1903 and the American Legion Walter L. Fox Post #2.
He met his wife Sharon who was also in the Air Force at Dover AFB. They were married July 2, 1985, for 36 wonderful years. Paul and Sharon enjoyed fishing, Bluegrass Festivals, camping and visiting their dear friends in the DC area. He also enjoyed recording music for his friends, and he especially enjoyed spending time at Spence's Bazaar with his dear friend Al Bloom. He loved his "old time" country music and bluegrass too and loved listening to it on his juke box with his wife at home. Paul loved his family especially his grandchildren. He dearly loved all the wonderful years he spent with family and many many friends at the "Cabin" on the Choptank River.
In addition to his parents; he was preceded in death by siblings, Frances Smith, Donald Smith, Onvey Smith, Ruth Bare and Ralph Smith.
He is survived by loving wife, Sharon Smith of Camden; sons, Mark Smith (Katie) of Elsmere and Paul Smith, Jr. of Smyrna; grandchildren, Julia, Carly, James and Dixie Kay Smith all of Elsmere; sister, Lillie Smith (Robert) of New Carlisle, Ohio; several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held 7 p.m., Friday, May 27, 2022 at Torbert Funeral Chapel South, 1145 E. Lebanon Road (Rt. 10), Dover. Friends may call from 5-7 p.m.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions be made to the Bayada Hospice, 4250 Lancaster Pike Suite 308, Wilmington, DE 19805 or the Center at Eden Hill, 300 Banning St., Dover, DE 19904.
Letters of condolence may be sent, and guestbook signed at www.torbertfuneral.com