Gregory McAlister Smith

Gregory McAlister Smith passed away suddenly on Saturday, October 28, 2017. He was a 49-year resident of South Florida; moving here with his family as a teen in 1968. Born on April 19, 1953 in Baltimore, Maryland, he was predeceased by his parents Frank & Dolly Smith. He is survived by his brothers Michael (Linda) & Timothy (Janis), his sister Frances Ann (Casey) & nephew Clinton and long-time partner Kathleen Hoague. He was also stepfather to daughter Suzanne (Scott) and grandfather to Cason.

Greg graduated from North Miami Senior High School in 1971. He received an A.A. degree in Police Science from Miami-Dade College in 1973 and joined the Metro-Dade Police Department in 1974 at age 21. He worked uniform patrol, the Special Response Team (SRT) and general investigations (GIU) before joining the homicide department where he spent 22 years. In 1983, he joined the department's first "cold-case squad" dedicated to solving murders that were still open cases; many for decades. He worked numerous high-profile crimes; many of which were closed with convictions. He had a reputation as a highly successful interrogator, getting information and confessions not through his imposing size but by befriending the suspects and gaining their trust and confidence. After a highly successful 31-year career, Greg retired from law enforcement in 2005.

After retirement, Greg was able to leverage his previous experience for a new avocation working celebrity security; first at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, FL and then with Carnival Cruise Lines as part of their Carnival Live program onboard the cruise ships. He earned the admiration of the performers through his law enforcement background and outgoing personality; becoming friends with many.

Post retirement, Greg also became very involved in the work of St. Mark Catholic Church. He spent countless hours as a volunteer helping with campus maintenance. He was very active in the church's men's club where he helped run the Christmas tree sale, benefit golf tournament, Lenten fish fries, scholarship programs and the like. He loved working with the youth of the parish. He was also instrumental in the running of the annual carnival; one of the church's biggest fundraisers.

Greg will always be remembered for his compassionate ways, his sense of humor and his willingness to offer his time & talent. He was well loved and will be missed by not only his immediate family but also his extended families in law enforcement, at St. Mark, Hard Rock and Carnival.

Services for Greg will be held at St. Mark Catholic Church, 5601 S. Flamingo Road, Southwest Ranches, FL on Wednesday, November 15, 2017. A visitation will be held in the church from 5:30-7:30pm followed by a funeral Mass at 7:30pm. A reception to celebrate Greg's life will then be held in the St. Mark Parish Center.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to the St. Mark Eighth Grade Scholarship Program (c/o Men of St. Mark).