Master Gunnery Sergeant George H. Smith passed away on May 27, 2025. He was 99 years old.
Master Gunnery Sergeant George H. Smith was a veteran of World War II (1942-45), the Korean War (1950-51) and the Vietnam War (1966-67). He also served in China during the China Civil War (1947-48).
He was born on September 22, 1925, in Montdale, PA. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at age 17 on November 19, 1942, and went to boot camp at Parris Island, SC.
He served in duty stations all over the world, and was very proud to have served under General Mac Arthur as part of the occupation forces of Japan after World War II. This is where he met his cherished and beloved wife of 68 years, Hiroko “Ann” Smith.
He transferred to the Fleet Marine Corps Reserve on August 1, 1969, after nearly 27 years of continuous active service; and he retired from the Marine Corps on December 1, 1972.
He obtained a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Arts in Teaching degree from Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, FL; and he taught elementary and middle school for 25 years in Clay County, retiring in July 1997.
Master Gunnery Sergeant Smith resided in Orange Park, FL. He is survived by a daughter, Lynn Barrett of Dallas, TX, and a son, Harry Smith of Orange Park, FL.
George was interred at Jacksonville Memory Gardens in a private ceremony on June 4, 2025. A celebration of his life will be held on August 6, at the Orange Park Town Hall from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Everyone is welcome.
