Murray E. Smith
Murray Elwin Smith, 81, of Frederick County, Virginia, died Monday, November 7, 2011, in Blue Ridge Hospice Residential Center.
Mr. Smith was born in 1930, in Colby, Kansas, the son of the late Guido E. and Irma P. Smith. Mr. Smith attended Kansas State University, Purdue University, the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University and Oxford University.. He was a Veteran of the United States Air Force during the Korean War. After his service in the Air Force he worked for the Federal Aviation Administration for over 30 years helping to establish a safe and modern air traffic control system.
Mr. Smith was a member of Kernstown United Methodist Church and was instrumental in the establishment of Heart Havens, here in Winchester, a home for the developmentally disable.
As an active Boy Scout Leader for many years he served as a positive role model for many boys during their teen years and helped instill a love and respect for the outdoors. His service to God and his family always came first.
He married, Mary Lynn Doll, in 1952, in Kansas City, Missouri.
Surviving with his wife are three sons, David Elwin Smith and wife, Anne, of Troy, Virginia, Richard Murray Smith and wife, Christine, of Midlothian, Virginia, Daniel Dean Smith of Winchester, Virginia; four grandchildren, Andrew Elwin, Allison McKenzie, Christopher Murray and Jason Arthur.
His sister, Diana L. Heiniger and brother, Donald D. Smith, preceded him in death.
A funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 AM on Friday, at Kernstown United Methodist Church with Reverend Clay Knick officiating. Interment will be in Mount Hebron Cemetery, Winchester, Virginia. Military Honors will be afforded by the V.F.W. Post # 2123.
The family will receive friends on Thursday evening, from 6:00-8:00 PM, at Omps Funeral Home, Amherst Chapel.
Memorial contributions may be made to Heart Havens, Inc. Attn: Fred Rathel, 306 Accomack Circle, Stephens City, Virginia 22655.
Please view obituaries and tribute wall at www.ompsfuneralhome.com.