Gregory Hamilton Smith

Gregory H. Smith, age 74, of Delmar, DE, passed away on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, in his home with his wife, Joy, and son, Michael, by his side. Born in Salisbury, MD on March 13, 1949, he was the son of the late William H. and Betty Jo Smith. He was a 1967 graduate of Wicomico Senior High School. After high school he worked at Duponts in Seaford, DE and served as a volunteer at Pittsville Volunteer Fire Department. Greg was always good with his hands and could fix anything working as an electrician, plumber and builder in Ocean City, MD. For many years, he worked at Railroad Ironcrafts with his good friend, Page Pully. After volunteering at Pittsville for nine years, he became a professional career fire fighter with the Salisbury Fire Department in 1979 at the "old age" of 30, and became an EMT in 1981. Greg enjoyed his service to the fire department where he was promoted through the years from Lieutenant to Captain and represented the rank and file for 20 of his 25 years as a Liaison from the Fire Department to the Mayor and Council. He took pride in his role in organizing many training seminars for the department. Firefighters came from all over the East Coast for this training which became a catalyst in creating life-long friendships. He was honored to be a member of the Salisbury Fire Department's Twenty-Year Club. He was also inducted into the Fireman's Historical Foundation of Delmarva's Hall of Fame in 2003. His most cherished honors were his life saving service award bars which he received over the years for saving lives in the line of duty. After retiring from the fire department in 2004, Greg worked at Holloway Funeral Home for 15 years where his compassion and kindness was a blessing to many. Greg's service to the community was not just in the workplace. He became the President of the Firemen's Historical Foundation of Delmarva, Inc in 1986. He would work tirelessly with many volunteers hosting what would become the foundation's annual Fireman's Muster. This was a cherished event for many attracting even fire fighters from France and Costa Rica. He also led the foundation's annual Hall of Fame ceremonies for over 20 years which honored the men and women of the fire service on the Delmarva Peninsula. Greg also served on the Delmar, DE Town Council for twelve years where he enjoyed serving his community. Greg and his wife, Joy, became members of St. Stephen’s Church in 2011. They created the Community Love Light Tree which honors the life of a loved one. Greg's hobbies were many. He enjoyed his time riding his Harley with the Red Knights. He was an avid photographer; publishing many photos and stories in fire related magazines. In 2001, he acquired two fire engines: 1969 B Model Mack and the famous Salisbury FD Engine 210. He had a blast taking children on rides on the fire trucks and participated in many parades. He was a model train enthusiast and woodworker. Surviving is his loving wife of 38 years, Joy Hubeny Smith, whom he married November 1, 1986; a son, Michael S. Smith (Melissa) of Westover, MD; a step-son, John R. Swartz, Jr, (Christine) of Lafayette, CO; a granddaughter, Desirae Dize (Jason); and three grandsons, Alan-Michael Smith, Max Swartz and Zakk Swartz; one great-granddaughter, Brynley Dize; and brother. Timothy (Vivian) Smith of Salisbury, MD; 2 sisters, Lisa Parker (Jeff) of Hampstead, MD and Teresa Beauchamp of Parsonsburg, MD; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Greg was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, William "Bill' Beauchamp. A Celebration of Greg’s Life will be held at 1:00 p.m. at St. Stephen's Methodist Church, 101 E. State Street, Delmar, DE on Saturday, January 13, 2024, where a visitation will be from 12 pm to 1 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to St. Stephen's Methodist Church, 101 E. State Street, Delmar, DE 19940. Arrangements are in the care of Short Funeral Home in Delmar. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.shortfh.com.

Gregory Hamilton Smith

March 13, 1949 - January 3, 2024