Lewis Frank Smith

Lewis Frank Smith passed away at his home in Neptune Beach, FL during the night of February 10. His wife of 70 years, Virginia DeBaun Cook Smith, had pre-deceased him by 3 years. He is survived by his sons David and Peter (Carrie Bagatell), and daughter Nancy Dilley (Robert), 3 grandchildren Megan McDougal, Robert R. Dilley and Allen Smith; as well as 2 great-grandchildren Kaylee and Brendan McDougal. David was his long-term caregiver, best friend, and confidant.

Mr. Smith was born in Somerville, Massachusetts in 1917. He attended high school in Auburn, NY, and entered the University of Michigan and its Navy ROTC program. In the spring of 1941, he graduated with a B.S. in Engineering, was called into active duty in the Navy, and married Virginia Cook all in the course of 3 weeks. A 6-year World War II veteran who reached the rank of Lieutenant Commander, he served as a pilot instructor and technical officer on the Ranger aircraft carrier. His last Navy assignment was acquiring German jet-engine technology (plans, prototypes, and engineers) in turbulent postwar Germany. After the Navy, his 60-year career was spent advancing the technology of jet engines and rotating machinery, notably with General Electric, Mechanical Technology Inc. in Latham, NY, and as an independent consultant. He was a technical pioneer of the jet age.

Lew and Ginny raised their family in upstate New York and Massachusetts. Lew's family remembers him as a loving father, disciplined professional, skilled home handyman, avid fisherman, and funny guy.

A memorial gathering will be held for Mr. Smith on Monday, February 16, 2015 from 11am ‒ 1pm at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home(904)249-2374 located 1701 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville Beach, FL. The family requests that donations in his honor be made to VFW Post 3270, 915 8th Avenue South, Jacksonville, FL 32250, Attention ‒ Quartermaster.