Paul Gregory Smith passed away peacefully in his Ridgecrest home at 6AM on February 3, 2025, with his wife, Sharon, at his side.

Paul was born on March 21, 1948 to Louie and Melba Smith in Long Beach, CA. By July 1948, Louie and Melba had moved to China Lake with him. He was the firstborn of the 5 Smith children growing up on Norma Street during the '50s and '60s. Paul graduated from Burroughs High School in 1966 with a Black El Camino, the first of many pampered vehicles.

The Army drafted him in the late '60's and the family was overjoyed when he returned from Vietnam. He worked for PG&E. He moved to Trinidad, CA and bought a boat and became a crab fisherman for a few seasons. By 1980, Paul had returned to China Lake with his beloved dog, Coho, and began working at the SNORT track. He married a young lieutenant, Sharon Beck, on September 22, 1984.

At 6' 6¾”,“Too Tall Paul” was a perfectionist on any hobby he pursued. Sharon and Paul enjoyed fishing and camping. This included a highlight trip to the Snake River, Idaho to catch and release the giant sturgeon. His fishing rods resided behind his recliner.

He is preceded in death by his parents: Louie and Melba Smith and his youngest brother, Adam Smith all of Ridgecrest, CA. Paul is survived by his beloved wife of 40 years, Sharon Smith. Surviving siblings are: brother Carl Smith of Inyokern, his sister Martha Cox and her husband Robert, his brother David Smith and his wife Cathy, and numerous nieces and nephews and grand-nieces and nephews all of Ridgecrest, CA.

Enjoy your new wings, Paul. We love you forever and will miss your tall tales. At his request, there are no formal services, but he will always be honored.