Milton Pomeroy Smith Jr., 80, of Clover, South Carolina, passed away at his home on August 19, 2026. He spent his youth loving Lake Erie, having been born and raised in Sandusky, Ohio. A “Blue Streak” through and through, he was a proud graduate of Sandusky High School Class of 1964. Milt lived a life defined by devotion to his family, pride in his service to his country, and a deep sense of loyalty to the people and

communities he held dear. 

A proud United States Marine Corps veteran, Milt served his country honorably from July 1964 to July 1968, achieving the rank of Sergeant. He later attained the rank of Staff Sergeant during his time in the Marine Corps Reserves, where he served until April of 1970. During his time in the Marine Corps, he served during the Vietnam War with VMFA-323. The bonds of brotherhood he formed during his service remained an important part of his life, and he carried that connection and pride in the Marine Corps with him throughout the years.

Milt was an avid outdoorsman who found joy in fishing, hunting, trap shooting, and simply being out on the water. He had a strong passion for supporting his children in sports and community involvement, always finding ways to share his time, knowledge, and love with others. He was also an active member of his local Marine Corps League Detachment #1123, where the camaraderie and fellowship he formed during his Marine Corps service continued to be an important part of his life. 

More than anything, Milt will be remembered for the kind of man he was. He was kind and patient, giving people the time and understanding they needed without judgment. He was selfless in the ways he cared for those around him, often putting the needs of others before his own. His faith was a steadfast part of his life, guiding the way he loved, forgave, served, and cared for others. He trusted in God and carried that faith with him through both the joys and challenges of life. Through the way he lived, loved, and treated others, he planted seeds of faith in those around him - seeds that will continue to grow and bear fruit in the lives of those he leaves behind.

His wisdom was often quiet and understated, shared through the lessons he taught, the advice he offered, and simply by the way he lived his life. His humor and infectious smile could brighten a room, but it was his ability to understand people that made him truly special. To his family, he was a constant source of strength, encouragement, and inspiration, and for those of us fortunate enough to call him Dad, Grandpa, husband, brother, or friend, his steady presence was something we could always count on. He gave us not only memories to cherish, but an example of the kind of person we hope to carry forward in our own lives.

Above all, Milt leaves behind a lasting legacy of love, family, service, and memories to be cherished by all who knew him. He is survived by his beloved wife of 44 years, Laura Smith; stepson, Robert Kling and his wife, Paula, of Derby, Connecticut, daughter, Amanda Watkins and her husband, Brad, of Fredericksburg, Virginia, son, Adam Smith and his wife, Fernanda Kim, of Frederick, Maryland, and daughter Alyson Hendrix and her husband, Austin, of Fort Mill, South Carolina. He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Brandon, Brianna, Aiden, Ashton, Jameson, and Anistyn; his sisters, Sandra Henry of Mechanicsburg, PA, Beatrice Van Meter and her husband, John, of Huron, Ohio; his brother, Richard Smith of Vermillion, Ohio; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who will miss him dearly.

Milt was preceded in death by his parents, Milton Pomeroy Smith Sr. and Beatrice Taylor Smith.

Though his life has come to an end, the impact he made on those who loved him will continue through the family he cherished, the friendships he built, the Marines with whom he served, and the memories he leaves behind.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Palmetto Funeral Home in Fort Mill, SC on August 31, 2026. The family will receive friends for viewing from 3:00–4:30 p.m., with the service beginning at 4:30 p.m.