Wilton "Art" Smith Jr.'s Obituary
Wilton Arthur Smith, Jr. passed away at the age of 79 at Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis, Maryland on October 30, 2025.
Wilton, known to all as 'Art,' was born on October 18, 1946 in Washington, DC to Wilton Arthur Smith, Sr. and Louise Owens Smith. Art spent his childhood in Washington and attended Anacostia High School. After graduation, he attended High Point College in North Carolina. Following his college graduation, he married his high school sweetheart, Jean Marshall Wakenight, on December 21, 1968. He then joined the United States Navy, in which he served for four years. Art was based at the Quonset Point Naval Air Station in Rhode Island, when his sons Jeffrey and Brian were born. His Navy service included stints in the Mediterranean and North Atlantic fleets.
Upon his discharge from the Navy, Art joined the federal government and began a long career as an Employee Benefits Counselor for the United States House of Representatives. In 1976, Art and the Smith family moved to Clinton, Maryland, where he would live for nearly 50 years. Art enjoyed boats, the beach, and being on the water. He also enjoyed doing lawn and yard work and for many years volunteered at the Davies Memorial Unitarian Church in Temple Hills, MD at which he was a member.
Art was predeceased by his loving wife, Jean Marshall Wakenight Smith, and his oldest sister, Dorothy. He is survived by his sons, Jeffrey Taylor (and partner Erin Angel) and Brian Arthur (and wife Linda Fosco Smith), granddaughters Samantha and Gianna, and sister Linda Smith Burroughs.
All are welcome to visit on December 7, 2025 from 3-5 pm at Lasting Tributes. Friends and family will share stories and memories of Art's life at 4:00 pm. If you're unable to attend in person, a livestream of Art's service will begin at 3:40 pm EST.
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