Sterling Hugh Smith

Sterling "Hugh" Smith, 79, peacefully passed away on Saturday, October 17, 2026 in Richmond, VA. Hugh and his wife of 48 years, Loukie Gayle Smith moved from Hampton, VA to Buffalo Junction in 2010 where they enjoyed retirement driving the country roads in their Model A Fords. Hugh grew up in Florida, son of the late Hugh Walter Smith and Jean Faulkner Smith, graduated from Florida Southern College (now University) during the Vietnam War Era and later entered the US Marine Corps. He loved serving his country as a Marine, beginning with the Artillery at Camp LeJeune, NC and ending as an Intel Officer in El Toro, CA. His favorite stint was as an Aerial Observer in the back seat of the OV-10 Reconnaissance Plane with VMO-1. Following the Marine Corps, Hugh went to work for the Dept. of Defense at Anacostia, MD and then at Langley Air Force Base in Hampton, VA, for the Defense Intelligence Agency at Tactical Air Command. He worked in the Intel area through the war in Iraq and earned several commendations for his dedication to his country and excellent briefings.

Hugh joined the Gideons International in 1983 and served in many officer roles at the Camp, Area and State levels. Hugh loved passing out Scriptures and telling people about Jesus, his Savior. He also loved giving the Gideon Presentation at churches to introduce the Gideon Ministry and tell of its impact for Christ around the world. He loved old cars, especially Model A Fords '28-'31. He was active in several local clubs across the state and served at the national level in the Model "A" Restorer's Club (MARC) on the Touring Class Committee and later on the MARC Board of Directors for two terms. He served one year as Director of Regions and three years as president of the BOD. His term ended in 2013 but he remained active in attending national meets, driving a Model A to many of them. Upon moving to the Clarksville area, he wasted no time in starting a club of like minded car enthusiasts. The Virgina-Carolina Model A Club (VACAR) was established in January of 2012 as a region of MARC and is still going strong, enjoying tours, parades, car shows and cruise-ins.

Hugh was devoted to his family, wife Loukie and daughters Emily Faulkner Smith of Richmond, VA and Gayle Smith Ospina (Manuel) of Wendell, NC. His legacy lives on through his grandchildren, Abigayle Mary Pritchett, Moriah Sterling Ospina and Gabriel Manual Ospina. He is also survived by his sister, Alexis Jean Smith and daughter, Alexandra of Stuart, Florida and brother, Evan Walter Smith of Centre, Alabama.

A memorial service to honor Hugh's life and service will be held at Watkins Cooper Lyons Chapel on Wednesday, October 28th, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. A burial service with military honors will take place at Amelia Veterans Cemetery on Thursday, October 29th, at 12:00 p.m. Friends and family are invited to gather and remember the remarkable life of Sterling "Hugh" Smith.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Watkins Cooper Lyon Funeral Home, and the Smith family extends their deepest gratitude to all who have offered love and support during this difficult time, especially to Gathering Place Church and the Virginia-Carolina Model A Club.

Hugh's unwavering dedication to his country, his family, and his community will be remembered with admiration and love, and his memory will serve as an inspiration for generations to come. "In lieu of Flowers, support the Gideon's International, 2900 Lebanon Rd, Nashville, TN 37214 where ever it is appropriate.