Herman Smith

Herman Eugene Smith, 79, died on June 21, 2010 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. His wife of 55 years, Marjorie was at his side. Herm was born May 30, 1931 in Hackettstown, New Jersey, to Herman and Thelma Smith. He graduated from Hackettstown High School in 1949 and attended St. Petersburg Junior College and received certification in Traffic Management from the Academy of Advanced Traffic, New York, NY. Herm was a veteran of the United States Air Force where he was a member of the Air Force Band. On June 25, 1955 Herm married Marjorie Elizabeth Budd and lived in Hackettstown until he moved his family to Merritt Island, Florida in 1969. He worked in the Transportation industry for over 30 years and later retired from the Brevard County School Board. Herm loved music and was a long time member of the Barbershop Harmony Society. He was also a member of the Masons for 55 years and an active member of the Grace United Methodist Church on Merritt Island. Herm was a quiet and humble man who dearly loved his family and music. He enjoyed the simple things in life such as attending his kid’s ballgames, body surfing at the beach, taking the family fishing, and singing with a barbershop quartet. One of Herm’s simple pleasures was his daily peanut butter & jelly sandwich and ice cream with peanuts. He was a man of great character and integrity and taught his children honor and ethics. Herm was a cancer survivor of 23 years. In addition to his wife, survivors include his children Rodger E. Smith (wife Jacqueline) of Olathe, KS, Scott H. Smith of Jacksonville, FL, Jennifer A. Smith of Tallahassee, FL, and Andrew B. Smith (wife Shayna) of Atlanta, GA. Herm is also survived by 9 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Herm was preceded in death by his parents. The family will greet friends from 10:00-noon, Saturday, June 26, 2010 in a celebration of Herm’s life at Beckman-Williamson Funeral Home Cocoa Beach, FL. Interment and military honors will be at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL at a later date. May God bless our beloved husband and dad. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org) 800-272-3900 or your favorite local charity.