In Memory

Albert H. Smith

Albert H. Smith

HAMPTON - Albert "Bert" H. Smith, 71, died peacefully at his home Nov. 12, 2009, following a lengthy illness.Born and raised with his family in Newport News, he graduated from Newport News High School in 1956. He also considered Hampton as his lifelong home since he had a loving relationship with his great-uncle and great-aunt, Albert H. and Florence Barker, whom he lived with and cared for during their senior years.Bert graduated from Virginia Polytechnic Institute with a degree in Business Education and proud memories of his participation with the class of 1960 Corps of Cadets. He attended graduate school at the College of William and Mary where he received both his Masters Degree in Education and his Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Educational Administration. He also served six years with the Virginia Air National Guard.His professional career included thirty years experience in teaching and secondary administration with the Hampton City Public Schools and the York County Public Schools from which he retired. He was a former classroom teacher of math, physical science, economics, and business accounting. He has served as a middle school principal, high school principal, and Director of Secondary Education. As a state and nationally recognized adviser of student government organizations and journalism publications, especially award winning school yearbooks, Bert was always proud of the many accomplishments of his students and his fellow colleagues.In October 1994 he was inducted into the Virginia High School League's Hall of Fame at Charlottesville for his recognition as a Founding Father of the VHSL Publications Program. In April 1995 he was honored in San Diego by the National Journalism Education Association and was presented its National Lifetime Achievement Award for his service to scholastic journalism.Bert joined the staff of the Virginia Air & Space Center in March 1992, as it began its official opening in April of that year. He retired from the VASC after 17 years as its Volunteer Coordinator.He has been an active member and past deacon of First Presbyterian Church Hampton.Bert was preceded in death by his parents, James J. and Marguerite H. Smith; his sisters, Delia Ann Smith (infant) and Kathleen S. Brown.He is survived by his wife, Ronda Ellis Smith; his two sons, Kevin B. and wife, Becky of Ramstein AFB, Germany; Shannon E. and wife, Nida of Travis AFB, California; two granddaughters, Annie Lynn and Ellen Elizabeth; his brother, Robert J. Smith of Hobbs, New Mexico; and several nieces and nephews. Bert was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend to many. He was a compassionate man who brightened the day for all who knew him.A memorial service will be held Wednesday, Nov. 18, at 1 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church Hampton. The family will receive friends at a visitation-reception at the church immediately following the memorial service.In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to the Virginia Air & Space Center (VASC) for the Bert Smith Memorial, 600 Settlers Landing Rd., Hampton, 23669-4033; or to First Presbyterian Church, 514 S. Armistead Ave., Hampton, 23669.Arrangements are under the care of R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home, Hampton, Va.



 
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05/24/15 11:05 AM #1    

Earl P. Bell, Jr.

What a wonderful human being he was!  In a place that was a good deal of push and shove, he was one sweet, nice person trying to help everyone.  Never heard anyone who knew him well say anything but good things about him.  He told me a story about when he was in the Army that was funny, at least to me.   He said that during his time in the service, the Army assigned newly drafted and enlisted men in alphabetical order.  So, according to him this practice worked a special hardship on people with the last name of Smith.    He remembered a unit completely comprised of Bill Smiths.  He said that produced the evolution and heavy use of nicknames.  My deepest sympathy to his family.

Earl Bell


05/24/15 11:13 AM #2    

Earl P. Bell, Jr.

Here's some information listed on his life:

Bert graduated from Virginia Polytechnic Institute with a degree in Business Education and proud memories of his participation with the class of 1960 Corps of Cadets. He attended graduate school at the College of William and Mary where he received both his Masters Degree in Education and his Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Educational Administration. He also served six years with the Virginia Air National Guard.

His professional career included thirty years experience in teaching and secondary administration with the Hampton City Public Schools and the York County Public Schools from which he retired. He was a former classroom teacher of math, physical science, economics, and business accounting. He has served as a middle school principal, high school principal, and Director of Secondary Education. As a state and nationally recognized adviser of student government organizations and journalism publications, especially award winning school yearbooks, Bert was always proud of the many accomplishments of his students and his fellow colleagues.

In October 1994 he was inducted into the Virginia High School League's Hall of Fame at Charlottesville for his recognition as a Founding Father of the VHSL Publications Program. In April 1995 he was honored in San Diego by the National Journalism Education Association and was presented its National Lifetime Achievement Award for his service to scholastic journalism.

Bert joined the staff of the Virginia Air & Space Center in March 1992, as it began its official opening in April of that year. He retired from the VASC after 17 years as its Volunteer Coordinator.

He has been an active member and past deacon of First Presbyterian Church Hampton.

Bert was preceded in death by his parents, James J. and Marguerite H. Smith; his sisters, Delia Ann Smith (infant) and Kathleen S. Brown.

He is survived by his wife, Ronda Ellis Smith; his two sons, Kevin B. and wife, Becky of Ramstein AFB, Germany; Shannon E. and wife, Nida of Travis AFB, California; two granddaughters, Annie Lynn and Ellen Elizabeth; his brother, Robert J. Smith of Hobbs, New Mexico; and several nieces and nephews. Bert was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend to many. He was a compassionate man who brightened the day for all who knew him.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday, Nov. 18, at 1 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church Hampton. The family will receive friends at a visitation-reception at the church immediately following the memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to the Virginia Air & Space Center (VASC) for the Bert Smith Memorial, 600 Settlers Landing Rd., Hampton, 23669-4033; or to First Presbyterian Church, 514 S. Armistead Ave., Hampton, 23669.


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