Preston Norman Smith

Preston Norman Smith, son of the late Julius Norman Smith and Chestina Mary Onley Handy Milbourne, departed this life on Sunday, June 11, 2017. Preston was born on December 25, 1929, in Pocomoke City, Maryland, where he lived for the remainder of his life. After graduating from Worcester High School in 1947, Preston was employed by the Mason Canning Factory in Pocomoke, Maryland. In 1948, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and was assigned to the 224th Aviation Squadron at the Mitchell Air Force Base. This began a six year service to his country in the Air Force and Air Force Reserves before he received his Honorable Discharge from the United States Air Force on December 8, 1954. While in the Air Force, Preston was wedded in Holy Matrimony to Bessie L. Parker of Accomack County, Virginia on September 3, 1949, and from that union nine children were born. In 1954, Preston began his career in carpentry and masonry work, first working with his brothers, and later beginning his own business, Preston Smith and Sons. His brick and stone work is noted on several churches locally, in Baltimore, and on local nursing homes in Berlin and Salisbury. Affectionately known as “Sky King” by his grandchildren, in 1973 Preston was able to accomplish one of his goals—to officially obtain his pilot’s license—and he enjoyed his passion of flying until the age of eighty-one (81). During his adult life, Preston attended and was a member of Trinity and Mount Zion United Methodist Churches. Left behind to cherish his memories are: his loving wife, Bessie Smith of Pocomoke, Maryland; their nine children—Alan (Diane) Smith of Snow Hill, MD, Patricia Poston of Washington, D.C., Gwendolyn (Rick) Harmon of Townsend, DE, Preston D. (Diane) Smith of Pocomoke, MD, Sylvia (Oliver) Conner of Wilmington, DE, Brian Smith of Texas, Steven Smith and Germaine Garner, both of Pocomoke, MD and Toni Smith of Upper Marlboro, MD; a beloved aunt, Zeola Ames of Pocomoke, MD; as well as nineteen grandchildren, twenty-one great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and friends. Preston was predeceased by five brothers and four sisters. Lovingly Submitted ~ The Family To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Preston Norman Smith, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

Preston Norman Smith

December 25, 1929 - June 11, 2017