Philip Lawton Smith

Resident of Jacksonville, FL. On June 30, 2022, Heaven saw Prince Charming reunited with Cinderella after a separation of 3 1/2 years. Born Jan. 9, 1924 in Austell, GA to Philip and Marykate Smith, Ensign Smith met Elise, the love of his life while stationed briefly at NAS Jax during WWII. They met at First Methodist Church at a function that neither of them was officially eligible to attend; a meeting which sparked a romance that led to 72 years of marriage. As a pilot flying Liberators, Privateers and PBY's, Philip saw combat in the Pacific theater and earned the Navy Cross. While overseas, he arranged with a florist to send Elise a dozen red roses every month while they were apart. Upon his return, they married on June 23, 1946 in the same Church where they had met. As a high school graduate with training in mechanical drawing and experience working with sheet metal, Philip went to work at NAS as an airplane mechanic and continued to serve his country in the Naval Reserves, attaining the rank of Captain. When NAS installed their first computer, Phil excelled in training as a programmer, which led to several promotions. At one point he was also recruited as a possible candidate for NCIS. Eventually Phil returned to his true passion, airplanes, and became the director of the Naval Air Rework Facility where F-14's were repaired and sent back into service.

Archery, hunting and fishing were his favorite hobbies. Ever the craftsman, Phil purchased a long bow and made his own arrows, quiver and other accessories by hand. He gave archery lessons to young people, including his 3 year old daughter after making her a bow and arrows of her own.

After his retirement Phil, became quite skilled as a stained glass artist, earning the renown of his Church family at Ortega United Methodist where he and Elise were active members, and where Phil served as an usher for many years. In addition, he joined a local woodworking club and also acquired an interest in flying radio controlled airplanes. True to his craftmanship, he built his own airplanes to fly, one of which was a PBY.

The family wishes to thank the staff and members of Ortega Church for all their kindness and special attention shown to Philip, especially Pastor Art McClellan and Faith, Bill and Kathy Nipper, Charlie Mann, Stan and Patsy Nettles, John Fox and the Open Door Sunday School Class. Also a special thanks to the caring staff at Longhorn's Steakhouse at Roosevelt Square where Phil and his daughter enjoyed Sunday dinner after Church. The more assistance Phil needed, the more they gave, especially his personal waiter, Badr E. Special thanks also to American Home Care for sending just the right caregivers, sometimes at the last minute, making it possible for both Phil and Elise to spend their last days in the comfort of their own home, especially his primary caregiver, Lee Beth Benson, CNA.

Philip is survived by a daughter, Karen Phillips, step-grandson Chris (Wendy) and step-great grandson Trevor McCarter (Zuri). He is also survived by a niece, Shari Bell (Tony), cousin, Eloise Gilmer, and other nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his wife, Elise, and brother, James.

A visitation for Philip will be held Thursday, July 7, 2022 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Hardage-Giddens, Riverside Memorial Park & Funeral Home, 7242 Normandy Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32205. A Graveside Service will occur 11 AM Friday, July 8, 2022 at Riverside Memorial Park, 7242 Normandy Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32205. A Memorial Service will occur 2 PM Friday, July 8, 2022 at Ortega United Methodist Church, 4807 Roosevelt Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32210.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hgriversidefuneralhome.com for the Smith family.