Robert Stephen "Steve" Smith, 75, a resident of Annapolis, MD since 1995, died 24 October 2012. Born June 16, 1937, to Betty and Earl Smith, he was raised in Sterling, Illinois. The family moved to Boulder, Colorado, during his high school years. Following graduation from high school and a year at the University of Colorado, he served two years in the U.S. Army at the Language School in Monterey, California, and Japan.
After his military service, he returned to Boulder to attend the University of Colorado and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science in 1963. Following graduation, he was recruited by the National Security Agency, Fort Meade. During his career, he served two tours in Australia, was a member of the Senior Executive Services and received the Secretary of Defense Medal for Meritorious Service. In 1994 he retired from the W organization after 32 years with the NSA.
A member of the Lions Club for more than 20 years in Australia and Annapolis, he was currently serving his second term as President of the Annapolis Lions Club. He served for many years as treasurer of Grace Presbyterian Church, Calvary United Methodist Church, and for the Phoenix Society for retired NSA employees, where he was currently serving his second term as treasurer and had previously served on the Board of Directors. He was a member of the Calvary UMC money-counting group, whose fellowship resulted in their being nicknamed the "Monday Morning Joyful Christians Group," and a member of the Annapolis Dragon Boat Club for breast cancer survivors.
From the view of the Phoenix Society, Steve was a volunteer extraordinaire. He offered terrific support to the office staff and the entire Society. He was as much a member of the office staff as any of us and he will be sorely missed.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 48 years, Gail Spates Smith; son, Scott A. Smith (Kristi) of Annapolis; daughter, Karin E. McGillin (Tony) of New Freedom, Pennsylvania; four grandchildren, Bryan, Matthew and Joey McGillin and Brayden Smith. He will be missed by many, many friends who would tell you that Steve had a huge impact on their lives.
