Paul Reynolds Smith

PR was born December 4, 1950 in Stockton, California but grew up a Minnesota farm boy. Eager for adventure, he lived in multiple parts of the country including Seattle, Washington; New Orleans, Louisiana; Bokeelia and Pineland, Florida; and traveled far and wide.

He began his career as an Amphibious Landing Craft Crew Chief and Diver in the United States Marine Corps from 1970-1973. Honorably discharged, he earned the privilege of receiving outstanding care from the Bay Pines VA Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida and the Lee County VA Healthcare Center in Cape Coral, Florida.

After his time in the military, PR went to dive school and became a connoisseur of the finest salt water around the world. He worked as a hard hat diver and dive manager for over 20 years in the North Sea, Persian Gulf, Gulf of Mexico, Puget Sound, Pacific Northwest, Alaska, Cook Inlet, Prudhoe Bay, and many puddles in between. Following that work, he engaged in marine salvage and became a USCG Licensed Master Captain, rescuing skippers throughout the waters of Lee, Charlotte and Miami-Dade Counties.

Life was an adventure for PR and he enjoyed it with an open heart and mind, a ready smile, and a twinkle in his eye. Loved by many for his generosity, unwavering friendship, and irreverent sense of humor, he often was regarded as "rude, crude, and socially unacceptable." But those who knew him best knew how much mischievous pride he took in that description.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Ann Sarah Gegan; his father (before his birth), Paul Reynolds Smith; his brother, Ronald John Smith; and far too many friends and relatives who no doubt are happy to see him again.

He is survived by his two daughters, Jacquelyn Ann Remidez and Sara Alise Shute; his former wife and lifelong friend, Connie Lynn Smith; two son in-laws, Herbert Remidez, Jr. and Eugene N. Shute, IV; and his beloved grandchildren, Owen Remidez, Aurora Shute, Kristen Remidez, Zavier Shute, Larissa Shute, and Miranda Shute.

Per his wishes, no service will be held. In his honor, simply watch the sun set and think of him as darkness falls.

He was deeply loved and will be deeply missed. Please feel free to share your sympathies and your stories via https://www.facebook.com/CaptPapaRomeo In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Bay Pines VA Healthcare System. Please send them to Mr. Nathan Witt; Chief, Voluntary Service; 10000 Bay Pines Blvd.; PO Box 5005 (135); Bay Pines, FL. Alternatively, you can make an online donation at http://www.volunteer.va/gov