James Douglas Smith, civil service retiree
James Douglas Smith, 84, of Rehoboth Beach passed away Saturday, March 28, 2020, at Beebe Healthcare in Lewes, due to complications from the COVID-19 virus. He was born Dec. 27, 1935, in Gainesville Fla., son of the late S. Spalding and Eloise (Douglas) Smith.
Mr. Smith proudly served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War and continued his service in the U.S. federal civil service, culminating in his retirement from the National Institute of Heath as an endowments supervisory program manager. Travel, friendships, the arts, and Broadway shows were some of his passionate pastimes.
Mr. Smith is recently predeceased by his beloved spouse of 49 years, Ronald Blakely; and sisters Eloise S. Haile and Isabel D. Latham. He is survived by his brother, Stephen S. Smith and his wife Colette; his aunt Monica Douglas and family; his nephews Graham and Evans Haile, Randy and Kevin Smith, John and Michael Latham; his nieces Beverly Haile Parrish, Carol Smith Nagel; and close family members David S. Ross and Cynthia C. Ross.
A private interment will be held at Epworth United Methodist Cemetery, Rehoboth Beach. Due to state and national health restrictions associated with COVID-19, the family will delay the formal memorial service until later in the summer when family along with Jim and Ron’s friends can gather to celebrate their lives at Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes.
Please visit Mr. Smith's Memorial Webpage and sign his online guestbook at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com. The website will be updated when services are scheduled.
