Curtis Emerson Smith

Curtis Emerson Smith age 83 of Melbourne, FL entered into the Kingdom of Heaven on the morning of, January 8, 2020. Curtis, also known as “Smitty” by family and friends, entered Hospice Care during an ICU admission at Viera Hospital. During this admission he was constantly surrounded by his family until he passed. Curtis was known for his great love and reverence for his family, and his lifetime of love and service to his country.

Upon graduating high school, Curtis enlisted in the U.S. Air Force (USAF) in 1955. He served his country honorably and with distinction for 27 years. His first assignment he worked as a Supply Specialist. Then, in 1960, Smitty had an opportunity to cross-train into the 99125 career field and join the Air Force Technical Applications Center (AFTAC). Curtis served 26 of his 27 years in AFTAC.

In 1959, Curtis found the love of his life, his soulmate. One day he walked into a soda shop in Douglas, WY, where he discovered the beautiful Ruth “Ellen” Hess working behind the counter. A few weeks after their first meeting, a friend of Curtis’ walked in and said hello to Ellen and asked her, “How is Curtis doing?”, to which Ellen replied, “Curtis who?”, not knowing him by his first name but rather by his nickname “Smitty”, as remained the the case throughout their 60-year relationship. Ellen and Smitty married on July 23, 1961, and enjoyed a marriage that lasted 58 years. The day before Curtis passed away, he referred to his wife Ellen as his “soulmate”. He loves her very much, just as she continues to love him.

Curtis retired from the Air Force as a Master Sergeant in 1982; however, he never truly retired from AFTAC, becoming instead an AFTAC Alumni member. He would continue to be involved in AFTAC sports and events for many more years. After his retirement from the military, Curtis became a contractor for three years for AFTAC. During that time, he also began a new career as the Night Manager at Patrick AFB Bowling Lanes which lasted for 18 years. His love of AFTAC was apparent. Anyone who knew him, understood the honor he felt serving his country, and especially as a member of AFTAC. This honor was revisited upon him as he watched his son, Mark join the USAF and become an AFTACer following in his father’s footsteps since 1988.

Smitty loved bowling, the comraderie, the competition, and he loved to win! Already a familiar face at the base bowling alley where he bowled in two leagues -- the Wednesday night AFTAC league, and the Friday night league which he bowled with his wife, and in his later years with his daughter, Shawn. His son, Mark also bowled with his father in the AFTAC league and at the National Bowling Tournament for several years. Smitty achieved perfection by rolling two perfect games, winning two 300 rings. He gave one ring to his oldest granddaughter Taylor, and one to his oldest grandson Ian. At the end of the day, what Curtis truly enjoyed most was spending time with his family, and his friends.

Curtis also played fast pitch softball at Patrick AFB in the 70s on the AFTAC Blue team as one of their pitchers. His family spent many enjoyable years watching him play the game and AFTAC dominate the field. An avid golfer, he enjoyed the sport for many years until a bad knee forced him to pursue other interests. One of those interests was going to the gym at Pro Health & Fitness at least four to five times a week, where he would enjoy using the pool and the hot tub. He loved receiving “pool toys” so he could goof off in the pool squirting water at his friends and young kids who liked to goof off with him with his water pistols/guns!

Curtis also enjoyed fishing and watching sports. He was a huge Chicago Cubs fan, and a Miami Dolphins fan – his loyalty never wavered. Smitty loved watching the old black and white movies and shows. He loved to play chess, but only if you were a worthy opponent. Most of all, Curtis loved to be around his family. He is loved and missed by all! He is in our hearts, as he awaits our arrival to our everlasting home with The Lord where we will see him again!

Curtis is one of ten children born to Mamie Elizabeth McLemore Smith and Oliver White Smith of Fayetteville, NC. He is preceded in death by his parents and 9 of his siblings, All of which are from NC – brothers Grady White Smith, Olton Smith, Oscar “Bill” Eldridge Smith, Otis “Tink” Wilbur Smith; and sisters Leila Vandalia Smith Parnell, Leta Mae Smith Jackson Barber, Ethel Smith Suggs, Beatrice Smith Buie; sister-in-law Charlotte Eileen Hess of Douglas, WY; and brother-in-law Edward Yates of Casper, WY.

Curtis is survived by his wife Ruth “Ellen” Hess Smith; daughter Shawn Eileen Smith; son Mark Curtis Smith; granddaughters Taylor Kaitlin Marie Smith and Grace Elizabeth Smith; grandsons Ian Curtis Smith and Wilder Matthew Smith; and sister Margaret Marie Smith Robinson of Hope Mills, NC; sister-in-law Sheryl Ann Hess Yates of Casper, WY; brother-in-law Arthur William Hess of Goshen, NH.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to a charity of your choice in his name, he would consider it an honor. Charities for animals could be an option as Curtis was a lover of animals.