Gary Thomas Smith

Gary Thomas Smith (88) of Alexandria, VA, passed away peacefully on December 2, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones.

The youngest of four boys, Gary was born to Albert Hamman Smith and Florence Quick of Baltimore, MD. He attended Baltimore Polytechnic Institute for high school, graduating in 1954. From Poly, he attended Johns Hopkins University for one year, where he joined the Kappa Alpha fraternity. The following year, he followed the footsteps of his brothers, Harold and Kenneth, to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD where he graduated in 1959 from the 21st Company.

During his time at the Naval Academy, he met the love of his life, Ann Davidge Smith, while she was attending Trinity College in Washington, DC. His persistent courtship paid off, and the two married after her graduation in August of 1960.

As a young Naval officer, Gary became interested in submarines and was selected by the exacting Admiral H. Rickover for the nascent U.S. nuclear submarine program. His service during the Cold War took him and his growing family to New London, CT; Norfolk, VA; San Diego, CA; Honolulu, HI; Charleston, SC; the National War College in Washington, DC and the Pentagon. He took his final sea tour as Commander of the fleet ballistic missile submarine USS John C. Calhoun based out of Charleston, SC.

Gary also received a master's degree in Public Administration from George Washington University while working at the Pentagon. After retirement from the Navy Gary worked for several government contractors in the Washington DC area.

When Gary emerged from his last sea tour, he took up running and never seemed to stop. He completed at least a dozen marathons, including Boston, New York, Chicago, and of course the Marine Corps Marathon several times, as well as innumerable 10Ks and half-marathons. He was a proud member of the DC Road Runners.

With four daughters, Gary was one of the original allies of the women's sports movement. He coached girls' softball in Charleston and Fairfax. He also volunteered for many years managing a girls travel soccer team out of Braddock Road Youth Club, where among other things, he submitted articles to the Fairfax Journal, insisting on coverage of local girls' sports. He was a constant presence in the bleachers of swim, dive, and track meets; and on the sidelines of many a softball, soccer, field hockey and basketball game.

Upon full retirement, Gary volunteered for many years with AARP's Tax-Aide Foundation, helping underserved neighbors with their tax filings; and as an English tutor for immigrants. He also took up golf, and thoroughly enjoyed chasing that little white ball around the great outdoors with his fellow Soccer Dads, taking an average of 12 practice swings for every stroke (& more for putts).

Gary was a prolific gardener and baker, known for his perfectly soft Gingerbread men and delicious pumpkin cookies. His backyard was his pride and joy - a sanctuary for birds and wildlife, where he enjoyed a healthy rivalry with the local squirrel population.

Perhaps his favorite hobby was as grandfather and "manny" to his 10 grandchildren. He was often called to babysitting duty for hours, or days at a time; and he came without hesitation. From their infancy to adulthood, he created a special connection with each grandchild.

Gary is survived by his wife, Ann, and his daughters, Maureen, Julie, and Jennifer. He was pre-deceased by his parents, Albert and Florence, brothers, Harold, Albert Jr., and Kenneth, and his beloved daughter, Deborah.

Gary was truly an officer and a gentleman, a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, community member, patriot, and citizen of the world. The world can use more Gary Smith's - he will be profoundly missed.

Funeral services will be held at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Annandale, Virginia on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 1:00 pm, followed by a reception at the church. He will receive a full military burial at Arlington National Cemetery on April 6, 2026 at 3:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Audobon Society or the Bay Area Womens Sports Initiative (BAWSI).