Smith, Vernon Frederick (Age 84) of Waldorf, Maryland

On Thursday, June 1, 2023, Vernon F. Smith quietly transitioned into eternal life while at the University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center, La Plata Maryland.

He was born in Washington, DC on August 18, 1938, and was the son of the late Frederick Smith and the late Addie Williams. Vernon was also known as "Butch" to family and friends. He grew up in the Southwest section of Washington, DC where he also received his education in the DC Public School System. After completing his schooling at Anacostia High School, he worked several jobs. His early employment years included Waxie Maxie Record Store and Pep Boys Auto Store. Vernon had an eye for fashion and was known to be a sharp dresser. His love for fashion led him to seek employment at Cavaliers Men's Shop, as well as Lewis & Thomas Saltz, respected menswear stores in Washington, DC.

Vernon enlisted into the United States Air Force in 1958 and was honorably discharged in 1962. After leaving the Service, he was employed by the US Government Printing Office before moving on to a career at the Appalachian Regional Commission, retiring with more than 45 years of Government Service in 2019.

His favorite hobbies were playing chess, cards, camping and fishing in the Bay, Ocean City and Morehead NC. He thoroughly enjoyed cooking out on the grill and enjoyed a good jerk chicken sandwich as often as possible. He loved reading, collecting music albums, debating history and he was an avid Washington Redskins fan. He had been active in a social club where he spent time and played cards with close friends. He was a committed professional with a thoughtful and caring heart. He served as a member of the Black History Committee at ARC for many years. He enjoyed discussing politics and kept up with all of the current events, which he discussed with lively commentary marked by and equal measure of insight and good humor. He will be remembered for his goodwill and friendliness. He was helpful to his coworkers and he volunteered once a month, when he was able, bagging and distributing food in the "Shaw Area". He will be greatly remembered by his family and friends and for his dedication to his job. As the family reflects upon Vernon's life, it is noted that his grandmother, the late Rose Smith, had the most influence on him.

Vernon leaves a lifetime of cherished memories to his son, Anthony Smith of Lanham, Md; siblings including one brother, Wayne (Patricia) Weaver of Waldorf, Md; one sister, Diana Basker of Clinton, Md; nephews, Sean (Kim) Gaskins and DeAndre Weaver; nieces Daneen (Kevin) Brown, Erica Weaver and Kristle Brown. There are a host of other cousins, relatives and friends, too numerous to name, but all mourn his death and rejoice in this celebration of his life. He loved the Lord and his family and friends.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, June 17, viewing from 10:00am until time of service at 11:00 am at Thornton's Funeral Home, P.A., 3439 Livingston Road, Indian Head, MD 20640.

On Saturday, June 17, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. please click on the link below to live stream the service.

Please make sure when viewing the services that the volume located in the right lower corner (where it says "live") on the viewing screen is turned up (the bars should be blue).

https://www.thorntonfuneralhomepa.com/live-stream