Michael Wilmer Smith - Obituary

ichael Wilmer Smith, 73, a chemist and resident of Millersville, MD for almost 40 years died at his home surrounded by his family on December 4, 2025 after a short bout with cancer. Michael was born on July 8, 1952 in Richmond, VA. Growing up, he lived in the Netherlands from ages 5 to 8, and returned to live in Edgewater. He was an Eagle Scout and liked to sail and fish as a young boy. He graduated from Washington College in Chestertown, MD with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. He later studied at Loyola College in Baltimore pursuing his master’s degree. He spent most of his 40-year career working at various pharmaceutical companies in the Baltimore area. He managed teams to formulate, analyze, and test a variety of drugs for usage in combatting many illnesses. His last full-time position was with PII (Ascendia Pharmaceuticals) in Hunt Valley. He later worked part-time as a consultant for product development in Ohio before retiring in 2010. Michael enjoyed collecting coins, taking care of his dog, learning about history, and was fascinated by outer space and UFOs. He enjoyed vacationing in Florida, Mexico, and most recently in Idaho, where two of his three grandchildren live. He was preceded in death by his wife of 36 years, Ann James, who died in 2021. He is survived by his daughter, Caitlyn Harmon (Jacob) of Pocatello, ID; his step-son, Ryan James of Glen Burnie, MD; his sister, Nancy Smith of Towson, MD, and three grandchildren, Kylee James, Hailey Harmon, and Benjamin Harmon. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Maryland SCPA or Guiding Eyes for the Blind. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Michael's life on Friday, December 12 from 12:30 to 1:30 pm at Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD 21037. Interment to follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens, 1911 Forest Drive, Annapolis, MD 21401.