Eldon Robert Smith, Jr.
1927 - 2025
Eldon Robert Smith, Jr.
1927 - 2025
Obituary
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BORN
1927
DIED
2025
Eldon Smith, Jr. Obituary
Born August 20, 1927, in Indiana, he served his country beginning in 1945 with the U.S. Army Air Corps and was commissioned as an Air Force chaplain in 1959. He provided pastoral care to service members worldwide before retiring from the Air Force and later from parish ministry in 1993.
Eldon earned degrees from Asbury College and Candler School of Theology at Emory University. He was married to Norma Jean (Gilland) Smith for over 60 years until her passing.
He is survived by his son, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Eldon "Rob" Smith III; Daughter-in-Love Lorine; granddaughters Jessica and Christina Smith; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
A memorial service will be held at Buechel United Methodist Church, 2817 Hikes Lane, Louisville, KY, on Saturday, November 8, 2025 at 11:00 am. Burial at Arlington National Cemetery will be scheduled at a future date.
Memorial contributions may be made to Asbury University or the American Bible Society.
Online condolences may be made at www.LastingTributesFuneralCare.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
3 Entries
Tom Neal
November 12, 2025
Eldon was a special person, always with a positive, happy and caring attitude.
He was a credit to his uniform, the country he served, the billets he filled, first in the Army Air Corps and then as a USAF Chaplin. I am sure he made a profound impact on the many service members whose lives he touched, as well as those non-military individuals and congregations to whom he later continued to minister as a Methodist pastor during the remainder of his life.
Personally, I will truly miss his keen understanding, kind mannerism and sage advice. Sorely he is the last of my family´s "greatest-generation" whose wise counsel I could and always felt comfortable in seeking.
On a lighter note - he was my mother Dorothy´s trusted high school classmate and buddy, AND her most favorite cousin.
My sincere condolences to Rob, Lorine, Jessica and Christina.
Eldon - God´s Speed - you will be missed!
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Melanie Robinson
October 4, 2025
Eldon was always a joy to speak with. His gentle demeanor and strong faith showed to all. He was a sweet man and I´m glad we crossed paths at Buechel United Methodist Church. My husband and I enjoyed our opportunity to visit with him after he moved to Millersville, MD. My condolences to his family. He loved you all and spoke very fondly of you. May you find peace in knowing you will see him again in heaven.
Connie L Soeder
October 4, 2025
He was a special person and loved by all.
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814 Bestgate Road, Annapolis, MD 21401
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