Norman Gary Smith

Norman G. (Gary) Smith passed away on Thursday, January 9, 2025.

Born February 21, 1936, in Little Orleans, Maryland. He was a resident of Florida and had homes in Punta Gorda, FL, Little Orleans, MD, and Green Bay, WI.

Norman was a graduate of Flintstone High School, Class of 1954 and was the Class President. He continued his education at the University of Maryland, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in 1958. He then went on to gain his master’s degree at the University of Maryland in 1972. He continued to pursue his education, graduating from the University of Maryland with his Ph.D in 1980. All his degrees were in fields of Agriculture, Extension Education, and Adult Education.

He went on to work at the University of Maryland and retired after twenty-eight years. A majority of his work at the University was in the University Extension Service.

Norman served as a 4H Agent in Baltimore County, Maryland, an Agriculture Agent in Howard County, Maryland and at the University of Maryland Extension Service, College Park.

He excelled in creativity of programming for 4H youth and adults in Maryland and nationally. Some of those programs included 4H Marine Science program, 4H camp counselor training, Livestock Round-Up, Wills Fair, youth energy program, and compact tractor program. At the state level a strength was the support he gave to Extension Agents/Faculty in Maryland counties. He was instrumental in the development of programs at county fairs and Maryland State Fairs.

 Norman proudly served in the Unites States Navy, retiring after thirty years as a Captain. His active duty included Surface Warfare Officer on the destroyer USS Putnam and Antisubmarine Warfare Instructor, Key West Fl. He served in the US Navy Reserves with Military Sealift Command and twice held duty as Commanding Officer of MSC 106 at Ft. McHenry, Baltimore, MD. He also served as Executive Officer, Plans Officer, Chief National MSC Exercise Evaluator with Military Sealift Command. He was stationed in Baltimore, MD, Norfolk, VA, and Washington DC.

His retirement included moving to Florida and enjoying extensive US and European travel, golf, motorcycling, RV and boating from the canal behind his home. His pride was always maintaining the landscape at each of his homes.

Norman is survived by his devoted wife of thirty-six years, Kathy (Kathleen); brother James C Smith Jr (Kay); sisters Christine Werdebaugh and Ruth Jones; and sister-in-law Mary Ellen Johnson. He is also survived by six nieces and nephews and numerous great nieces and nephews.

He was a lifelong member of Piney Plains United Methodist Church, Little Orleans, MD.

Services will be held on Friday, January 17, 2025, at 1:30PM with one hour visitation prior to service, 12:30PM to 1:30pm at Grove-Rogowski Funeral Home, 141 West Main Street, Hancock, MD 21750. Interment will follow at Piney Plains Cemetery, 12708 Faith Circle, Little Orleans, MD 21766.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Norman’s name can be made to Piney Plains Cemetery, attn Margot.

Arrangements were entrusted to Grove-Rogowski Funeral Home, 141 West Main Street, Hancock, MD 21750. Online condolences can be expressed to the family at www.grfuneralhome.net.