Jack S. Smith, Sr.

Jack Steward Smith, Sr., 89, of Ocean View, DE passed away peacefully at his home on Dec. 9, 2021, after a series of illnesses. He was born in Reading, PA, on October 3, 1932, to Chester and Marguerite (Bensinger) Smith. Jack’s father worked for the Reading Railroad, and his mother worked for Luden’s, but they also worked part-time as magicians, and Jack assisted them with their performances as a young child. Jack attended Wilson High School in West Lawn, PA, and was an avid athlete, playing football and running on the track team. Following his graduation in 1950, he attended Albright College prior to being drafted into the Army. His time in the military included deployment to Korea and resulted in his receiving a Bronze Star for his service. Upon returning home in early 1955, Jack worked in sales for Colgate-Palmolive and then managed a Sherwin-Williams paint store in Reading.  He eventually returned to Albright College to complete his undergraduate degree in preparation to enter the ministry.  He then attended Crozer Theological Seminary in Chester, PA, after which, he served multiple churches in Cecilton, MD, Wilmington, DE and Salisbury, MD throughout the coming years. Following his time in the ministry, he owned and operated two summer businesses in Ocean City, MD, worked as Community Relations Director for Mallard Landing Retirement Community, and frequently volunteered for the Salvation Army. Jack loved to be physically active, and after spending much of his adult life being an avid jogger, he continued to walk faithfully, 3 times a day, in his later years, making many, many friends along the way. Jack was a very kind soul, and would give you the last dollar in his pocket, or the shirt off of his back, if you needed it. He enjoyed helping his family, friends and neighbors, whenever he was asked.

In addition to his parents, Jack was pre-deceased by his former wife, Nancy (Yeager) Culver. He is survived by his children, Jack Smith, Jr. (Melva), Robert Smith (Melissa), and Jill Alexander (Rob); grandchildren, Laurie Finnical (Josh), Jason Smith (Alli), Amy Shope (Jonathan), Brandon Smith, Nathan Smith (Von), Andrew Smith (Heather), Christopher Smith, Trey Alexander (Kelsey), Carly Carrier (Chance) and James Whaley; and 10 great-grandchildren.

Arrangements are in the care of Milkins Trymbiski Funeral Home, in Temple, PA. Funeral services will be private. Interment will be held at Laureldale Cemetery, in Reading, PA.