Edward C. Smith - Obituary

dward "Ed" Charles Smith, beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, veteran, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 15, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. Ed was born on April 27, 1938, in Cleveland, Ohio, to the late Edward and Josephine Smith. He attended Western Reserve University in Cleveland, where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. Following graduation, Ed answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Army. He attended Infantry Officer Candidate School and went on to serve with honor during the Vietnam War. Throughout his distinguished military career, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and the Meritorious Service Medal in recognition of his courage, leadership, and dedicated service. He later earned a Master of Arts in Supervision and Management from Central Michigan University. After 28 years of faithful service, Ed retired from the Army with an honorable discharge. Following his military retirement, Ed continued his professional career at Willkie Farr & Gallagher in Washington, D.C., where he was respected for his professionalism, integrity, and commitment. Above all else, Ed was devoted to his family. In 1965 he married his true soulmate, Jo Ann Davis, thus beginning the 61-year adventure of two people who truly adored one another. They raised two wonderful daughters, Debbie and Michelle, had several beloved pets, and lived in various parts of the country and abroad through Ed’s military service. In later years, the love of family grew to include four grandchildren, who were Ed’s pride and joy. Ed enjoyed spending time on the golf course, bowling with friends, drawing, and creating beautiful oil paintings. His artistic talent, quiet strength, warm sense of humor, and love for his family left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. He is survived by his beloved wife, Jo Ann; his daughters, Debbie Grimm (Brian) and Michelle McGeeney (Mike); his grandchildren, Katie Miller (Mark), Nikki Spenard (Mark), Michael and Samantha McGeeney; his great-grandson, Carter Miller; his brother, Kenneth Smith (Diane); his sister-in-law, Sharon Hersh (Ken); and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members who will cherish his memory. Ed will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to his family, his distinguished military service, his strong work ethic, and the kindness and generosity he shared with everyone he met. He was the very epitome of a kind, humble, hard-working and most decent man. His legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Ed's life on Tuesday, August 4, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, Maryland. A graveside service, with military honors, will be held on Wednesday, August 5, at 10:45 a.m. at Maryland Veterans Cemetery, 1122 Sunrise Beach Road, Crownsville, Maryland. Condolences and tributes may be shared through the Memories page. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to Hospice of the Chesapeake, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, or Anne Arundel County Animal Care & Control in Ed's memory.