Smith, Raleigh Merritt, CDR

Virginia Beach - Raleigh Merritt Smith died at home surrounded by his family on Oct. 31, 2014 following a short battle with an aggressive cancer.

Born in 1938 in Newburgh, NY, he was the son of the late Marjorie Triscott (Ashplant) and Col. George M. Smith, USAF. Grieving his passing are Raleigh's wife of 51 years, J. Lee Smith; two sons, Cory W. Smith and Bradley M. Smith; and Brad's daughter, Heather L. Thomas.

Raleigh entered the Naval Aviation Cadet Program to become a helicopter pilot. His Naval career included a tour in Vietnam where he earned the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal (29 awards), Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit citation, Vietnam Air Gallantry Medal with Bronze Wings, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon and Navy Commendation Medal with V/ Combat Action Devise.

He also served in Pensacola, FL, San Diego and Long Beach, CA, recruiting duty in Oklahoma, and with NATO commands in the United Kingdom and Virginia Beach. He received his B.S. degree in Science at Oklahoma City University, OK. Raleigh retired from the Navy as a commander with 29 years of service. His second career spanned 16 years as an environmental engineer in the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality.

His kind, generous and gentle nature combined with sports interests enabled him to make several life-long and close friendships. Raleigh also enjoyed cars, photography, guns and anything techy. He was blessed in his final days to share memories with many of these special people.

Services with full military honors will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, 2014 at Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, 1457 Independence Blvd., Virginia Beach. Internment will be at the Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery in Suffolk, VA at a later date. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.hollomon-brown.com