John Henry Smith, III

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of John Henry Smith, III, a remarkable individual who led a fulfilling life. He peacefully departed us on July 18, 2025, at the age of 87. Born on January 15, 1938, to John Henry Smith, Jr. and Helen Louise Butler-Smith of Frederick, Maryland. He was the eldest of six children and was preceded in death by both of his parents, along with two brothers, Thomas Smith and Robert Smith, and two sisters, Shirley Smith-Snowden, and Ava Marie Smith-Whittemore. Of his siblings, he is survived by his youngest brother, Gordon Smith of Walkersville, Maryland.

John graduated from Lincoln High School on June 7, 1956, and from Morgan State College on June 5, 1961 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics. John joined the Army in 1961 and was honorably discharged from the 157th Infantry Brigade (Mech), Horsham US Army Res Cen, on January 15, 1975.

John resided in Alexandria, Virginia and shared his life and love with his devoted wife, Shirley Ruth Proctor-Smith, who preceded him in death on December 21, 2019. He was the cherished father of two children, John H. Smith, IV and Christina D. Smith, and one grandson John H. Smith, V, who will all miss him dearly. He also leaves behind his devoted nephew Christopher Brooks and several other nephews, nieces, and close friends who will deeply miss him.

The funeral service to honor and celebrate the life of John Henry Smith, III will be held on:

Tuesday, August 19th at 11:00 a.m.

Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church

9550 Liberty Road

Frederick, Maryland 21701

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that you make online gift donations in memory of John Henry Smith, III, to the Dementia Society of America www.DementiaSociety.org/donate.

Your presence and support during this difficult time is greatly appreciated.

Arrangements are entrusted to Stauffer Funeral Home, Frederick.