Maurice Bailey Smith Jr.

Maurice Bailey Smith Jr., a devoted husband, father, brother, cousin, uncle, and grandfather, passed away at the age of 85 in Chula Vista, California, on Monday, February 17, 2025. He was born in the Philippines on December 7, 1939, to Maurice Bailey Smith Sr. of Nebraska and Rosita Flamiano of the Philippines.

Maurice is survived by his wife of 65 years, Salvacion Smith, and his children: Ronald Smith, Sandy Fowler and her husband John, Gerard Smith and his wife Kristi Vineyard-Smith, and Sharoan Smith and her partner Darren Gonzales.

He is also survived by grandchildren:

Ronald’s children: Nicki Kempton and her husband Matt, Brandon Smith, and Alexandra Ainslie and her husband Bryce. Brandon’s children include Layla and her partner Anthony Felix, Kaedon Smith, and Kyra Smith. Layla is the mother of Ana, Lui, Eleanor, and Carolina, Maurice’s great-great-grandchildren.

Sandy’s son: John Maurice and his spouse Ash.

Gerard’s children: Jordan Goodnature and her husband Nathan, Harper Smith-Anderson and her husband Nathan, and Reed Smith.

Sharoan’s children: Justin Ortega and his wife Gabrielle, Tori and her spouse Erick Barnachia, and Noah Gonzales and his wife Isabella, along with their son Samuel.

Maurice began his military service in August 1966, enlisting in the United States Army. He served in Germany before being deployed to Vietnam. After his service in Vietnam, he transitioned to the United States Air Force, where he continued his military career. Following his retirement from the armed forces, he worked for the Civil Service for many years.

Services

Visitation: Wednesday, March 12, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM in the Magnolia Room at Glen Abbey Memorial Park & Mortuary (East Entrance), 3838 Bonita Rd, Bonita, CA 91902.

Funeral Mass: Thursday, March 13, 2025, at 10:00 AM at St. Rita Catholic Church, 5124 Churchward St, San Diego, CA 92114.

Reception: Following the service, from 11:30 AM to 1:15 PM at Glen Abbey Memorial Park & Mortuary’s Orchid Pavilion (West Entrance).

Committal Service with Military Honors: Miramar National Cemetery, from 2:15 PM to 2:45 PM.