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Wilton Smith Obituary
Carmel Valley - Wilton J. Smith Jr. (Jerry) passed away on April 24th, 2021. He and his wife Linda, were residents of Carmel Valley for 10 years after moving from Annapolis, Maryland.
Jerry was a graduate of the Salinas High School class of 1959, United States Naval Academy class of 1963, Naval Postgraduate School and was a helicopter pilot during the Viet Nam War. He graduated from George Washington University with a law degree and practiced International Aviation Law until moving back to California.
He spent many wonderful years sailing the Chesapeake Bay. His great knowledge of history illuminated many places he anchored. One of his favorite cruises was on the Pride of Baltimore, a clipper designed in the 1800s, sailing to Halifax, Nova Scotia. After retirement from the FAA, he and his wife continued sailing the eastern seaboard, including Key West, on their catamaran.
His favorite boat, Growler, an 18 ' catboat, is inscribed on a plaque in El Carmelo Cemetery in Pacific Grove near a Monterey Cypress where he will be inurned.
Jerry's son Gordon lives in Durham, England with his wife Ann and son Eli Alexander Smith.
He was predeceased by his daughter, Larkin Margaret.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Wilton Smith
Will Misner
May 3, 2025
Linda,
Sherrill and I were talking the other day about the Math party in Sherwood Forest. All the best to you.
Will
Will Misner
August 2, 2023
Linda,
Sorry to hear about Jerry.
My grandson Will is major birder.
Will Misner
703-674-7764
Mackie Christenson
May 3, 2022
Rabbit and I both were in awe of Jerry's many talents. It was such a treat to run into him around DC. It was like a little gift each time. A true Renaissance man.
See ya' later, Wilton.
CAPT Vann Goodloe, USN (Ret)
May 12, 2021
Jerry was a good friend & fellow J.O. In HS-6. Always one for a good laugh, he was also an exceptional pilot. The “Big Motha” patch was just another example of his great humor during trying times while flying CSAR in North Vietnam. His many successes after Navy typify this remarkable man & his inspiring leadership. RIP shipmate.
Mackie Christenson
May 11, 2021
A talented handsome man and a patriot. God bless his soul.
Michael G. Brattland
May 11, 2021
https://www.nhahistoricalsociety.org/cdr-wilton-j-smith-jr-usn-ret-signal-charlie/
Gary Louis Greenip
May 10, 2021
Linda, sorry to hear about your loss. We enjoyed Jerry & your company on the Gemini tie ups we had together. Also, Jerry's knowledge of Naval History which he shared with some of our Scout leaders at the Naval Academy Museum. Fair winds to him. Gary Greenip
janet draper
May 9, 2021
Dear Linda—
what a lovely picture of Jerry!— exactly as I remember him when I would visit you in Sherwood Forest. gosh, what a lovely place that was.
Thanks to Annetta, I know that the Jerry we knew and loved had left us long ago. I hope you find peace in his passing.
sending massive hugs your direction.
adventures await!
janet draper
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