Nelson Leroy Smith

May 30, 1942 – June 4, 2025

It is with deep sorrow that the family of Nelson Leroy Smith announces his passing on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at the age of 83. Mr. Smith (Smitty) of Thurmont passed away at WellSpan Gettysburg Hospital. Born on May 30, 1942, in Frederick County, MD, he was the son of the late Thurston Nelson Smith and Cora Weddle Gorley, and the stepson of the late Zelma Seiss Smith. He was the beloved husband of Barbara Lee Smith, to whom he was married for 22 years.

Nelson was a 1960 graduate of Thurmont High School. After graduation, he immediately enlisted in the United States Navy, where he proudly served for 20 years. Seventeen of those years were spent stationed in Norfolk, Virginia, and the remaining three in Rhode Island. He served two tours in Vietnam aboard Navy ships. He was particularly proud of his military service. He attended nuclear school and traveled the world during his time in the Navy, eventually retiring as a Chief Petty Officer in 1980. Following his military career, Nelson worked for Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE), retiring after 20 years of dedicated service. After his retirement, Smitty wanted to serve his community, so he began volunteering at the Thurmont and Emmitsburg Senior Centers, serving and delivering meals, and he was also a bus driver for them. He was a member of Catoctin United Methodist Church, the Westminster American Legion Post 31, and Thurmont Post 168. Nelson enjoyed riding his Harley, flower gardening, landscaping, and spending time outdoors. In addition to his wife, Nelson is survived by his daughters, Lisa Smith and Laura Free; stepdaughters, Tammy Griffin (James) and Michelle Silverman (Russ); grandchildren, Raine, Meredith, Bradley, Alyssa, Chuck and Robert Bowman, Bruce Cunningham, and Samuel and Rachel Silverman. He is also survived by his sister, Veronica Smith and husband Richard, and aunts Mary Fogle and Doris Smith; sisters-in-law Sarah Stambaugh and Patricia Flohr and husband Dave; brother-in-law Jack Nunemaker and wife Nancy; many nieces and nephews; and his special little fur baby, Greta Von. He was preceded in death by his stepson, Claude S. Bowers Jr.

Smitty’s life was enriched by the many wonderful friends that came into his life, especially the Baltimore Rambler Motorcycle Club guys, the “Friday Boys,” as well as his two loyal and cherished friends, Doug Seiss and Bill Raines. Family received friends on June 12 at Weller United Methodist Church, 101 N. Altamont Avenue, Thurmont. Military honors and interment followed at Blue Ridge Cemetery.