John Kirby Smootz
October 13, 1922- July 27, 2021
John Kirby Smootz was born October 13, 1922 in Conicville, Virginia. He passed peacefully in his sleep at the age of 98 years old on July 27, 2021.
John, also known to many as “Little Man”, will be dearly missed by all that knew him.
John joined the United States Army on September 12, 1944 and was honorably discharged April 27, 1946. He served during World War II as part of the L143rd Infantry Regime and earned the European African Middle Eastern Theatre Ribbon, the WWII Victory Ribbon, and the Army Occupation Medal (Germany). During his service he was classified as a PFC Rifleman and a Technician 4th Grade which was an automotive mechanic. Prior to his enlistment in the Army he worked on a 38 acre farm in Conicville, Virginia.
John was a steamfitter by trade and retired in 1984 at the age of 62. Before moving to Calvert County, he lived in Riverdale, Maryland in Prince Georges County.
John is predeceased by his wife of 63 years, Thelma Irene Smootz; his parents, Charles Gideon Smootz and May Lillie Hambleton Smootz; and, his siblings, Albert Birdie Smootz, Earl A. Smootz, Marie Mildred Barrick, Ruby Frye, Ray L. Smootz, and Bobby Eugene Smootz. He is also predeceased by his daughter Deborah A. Crossley.
He is survived by his children, Sharon Cline; Thomas Crossley and wife Suzanne; Ramona Moore and husband Russell; Betty Maher and husband Michael; and Charles Smootz and wife Deborah; 13 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Thank you to Calvert Hospice for providing support and services during his transition; a special thanks to his personal caregivers Cora, Catrina, and Rosy.
Visitation
Saturday, August 7, 2021
12-1 PM
Services
Saturday, August 7, 2021
1 PM
Interment
Contributions
Calvert Hospice
P.O. Box 838
Prince Frederick, MD 20678
410-535-0892
Condolences
Sort Comments
28 Jul 2021
7:18pm
Sharon, Tom, Ramona, Betty Jean, Charlie– Hugs and Prayers for the loss of your Dad. RIP Uncle John
City
Mt Jacksom
State
Virginia
28 Jul 2021
11:51pm
Miss Betty and family. We are so very sorry to hear of your father’s passing. Both parents lost to you in just a matter of months. Our family referred to your father as Big John. A man with such a big heart and so much love for his family and friends should have been at least 6 feet tall instead of 4 feet tall. I know only a very few people that are so generous in friendship and kindness. Your father is already walking tall in Heaven with your mom and his family that has gone on before him. We hope you are comforted by many wonderful, life-long memories.
City
Huntingtown
State
MD
30 Jul 2021
9:14am
Charlie and family i am sorry to hear about the lost of your father. I got to know him a little bit. I believe there was never a better person I have ever met.
Sue & Mike Robey
City
Laurel
State
Delaware
8 Aug 2021
11:33am
Thank you for you’re kind words and thoughtfulness for the beautiful flowers.
City
Port Republic
State
MD
3 Aug 2021
12:12pm
Charlie, Debbie, Tyler, Kyle and Ember and families – thinking of you and praying for your family.
City
St Leonard
State
Md
8 Aug 2021
11:27am
Thank you very much. Will be thinking of you & you’re family as you enter into this new chapter in you’re lives in the coming weeks. Many fond memories of great times spent with you and you’re extended family… All the best to you!
City
Port Republic
State
MD
7 Aug 2021
11:11am
Our condolences go out to the entire Smootz family. John was a very kind and helpful man who loved to share his many skills and interests with others. He will be missed.
The Potts Family
City
St Leonard
State
Md
8 Aug 2021
11:41am
Thank you and for sharing the day with the family. I can still remember
when you would drop off the boys for me to watch while you went to work and John who enjoyed all the little ones would greet them with a big “Well Hello There”!
City
Port Republic
State
MD
7 Aug 2021
6:23pm
Charlie, sorry to hear about your lost of your father, prays for you and your family.
City
Bowie
State
MD
8 Aug 2021
11:46am
Thank you AJ for thinking of all of us during this difficult time. You’re prayers are greatly appreciated.
City
Port Republic
State
MD
Sort Comments
Sharon, Tom, Ramona, Betty Jean, Charlie– Hugs and Prayers for the loss of your Dad. RIP Uncle John
Miss Betty and family. We are so very sorry to hear of your father’s passing. Both parents lost to you in just a matter of months. Our family referred to your father as Big John. A man with such a big heart and so much love for his family and friends should have been at least 6 feet tall instead of 4 feet tall. I know only a very few people that are so generous in friendship and kindness. Your father is already walking tall in Heaven with your mom and his family that has gone on before him. We hope you are comforted by many wonderful, life-long memories.
Charlie and family i am sorry to hear about the lost of your father. I got to know him a little bit. I believe there was never a better person I have ever met.
Sue & Mike Robey
Thank you for you’re kind words and thoughtfulness for the beautiful flowers.
Charlie, Debbie, Tyler, Kyle and Ember and families – thinking of you and praying for your family.
Thank you very much. Will be thinking of you & you’re family as you enter into this new chapter in you’re lives in the coming weeks. Many fond memories of great times spent with you and you’re extended family… All the best to you!
Our condolences go out to the entire Smootz family. John was a very kind and helpful man who loved to share his many skills and interests with others. He will be missed.
The Potts Family
Thank you and for sharing the day with the family. I can still remember
when you would drop off the boys for me to watch while you went to work and John who enjoyed all the little ones would greet them with a big “Well Hello There”!
Charlie, sorry to hear about your lost of your father, prays for you and your family.
Thank you AJ for thinking of all of us during this difficult time. You’re prayers are greatly appreciated.