Carleton James Smith III

Carleton James (CJ) Smith III, 82, of Virginia Beach, VA, passed away on October 29, 2025. CJ was born in Bridgeport, CT to Carleton J. Smith Jr. and Elinor Crane Pierson. He went to North Adams State College, then to Officer Candidate School in the Navy and obtained his Master’s degree from Bowie State College. CJ had a 27-year career as a Naval Officer with multiple tours of duty, including The Gulf War and retired from the Navy as Commander, Naval Beach Group TWO based in Norfolk, VA. Following his retirement, CJ was a high-school history teacher and then returned to serve the military in a successful career as a contractor supporting the missile defense programs for companies such as Northrop Grumman.

Heaven has gained one of its gentlest souls. CJ was a wonderful man dearly loved by his family and friends and all those who knew him. His deep kindness, compassion, and calming demeanor exemplified the meaning of a true gentleman. He was a man of faith, was passionate about his family and friends, and was always there for encouragement, support and a lending hand.

CJ remained active and engaged throughout his life - playing tennis well into his 70’s, days spent fly fishing, serving as a beloved soccer referee for 35 years, and delighting in his grandchildren’s activities. He enjoyed being in the kitchen where his meals became part of countless family memories. He loved baseball and was a die-hard New England fan rooting for the Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots football.

Above all else, CJ was a family man who took tremendous pride in his family, the love of his life Joan to whom he was married for 59 years and his four children and nine grandchildren. His children, Kelly Smith of Virginia Beach, Jeff Smith (Valli) of Winter Park, FL, Erin Louis (Richard) of Ashburn, VA and Keri Logan (Justin) of Virginia Beach and grandchildren, Cameron, Kyleigh, Jake, Brady, Hannah, Ivy, Quinn, Bennett, and Tanner are so thankful for the years they spent with Dad/Grandpa/Pop and countless memories of love, laughter, and support. He is also survived by his sisters Sherry Arel of Connecticut and Kim Bradbury of Florida.

There will be a Catholic funeral mass service at Church of the Ascension in Virginia Beach, where CJ and Joan have been members since the parish was founded. The Funeral Mass Service will be held on Tuesday, November 25, at 12:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.