Alexander Smith

On April 10th, 2011, Alexander Smith of Springfield, VA, passed away of medical complications subsequent to a hip fracture. Loving father of Jennifer Smith of Leesburg, Va , and caring grandfather of Alexander and Sophie Hamady, he was preceded in death by daughter Susan Smith, and by wife of 53 years Louise A. Smith. Born in 1927 in Palmetto, FL, Alex attended the University of Chattanooga and Northwestern University, for a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in the Musical Arts, respectively.

A resident of Northern Virginia for 53 years, Sergeant Major Smith was a member of the United States Army Band for 34 years. An accomplished jazz pianist, accordionist, arranger and composer, Alex had the honor of performing for seven consecutive Presidents of the United States as a member of the Strolling Strings, and continued, after retiring from the military, to bless the greater Washington D.C. area with his music until his death. He is also survived by his sister Shirley Thompson of Winter Haven, FL, his extended family and many, many friends.

Memorial contributions may be made to Beethoven Found at 2275 Research Blvd., Suite 500, Rockville, MD 20850. Services will be held at The Fort Myer Chapel. The date and time of service and burial will be available through Dignity Arlington Funeral Home, Arlington, Va.