Robert Smith

Robert Sams Smith, 97, of Oakland, MD, passed away on June 23, 2024, at his home. Born in Illinois, he was the son of the late Rolla and Dorothy (Sams) Smith.

Mr. Smith was a former military intelligence officer, spending most of his adult life in the Washington D.C. area, until he moved to the Oakland area in 1994. He was a graduate of the George Washington University, attending the Schools of Government and Law. He had a life-long career in military intelligence which began in 1944, when he entered service with the U.S. Army and served three years in the European Theater during World War II. He served again during the Korean War from 1950 to 1951. In 1951, Mr. Smith was assigned to the Central Intelligence Agency where he gave 43 years of service. During that time, he held senior positions in all four of the Agency's Directorates. He retired in 1982 but continued as a civilian contract intelligence officer until 1994. The CIA awarded him its Career Intelligence Medal for superior performance. He was also the recipient of a special commendation by the Commandant of the USMC for services rendered for military training programs he directed on behalf of the CIA from 1984-1994. He was a member of the Proctor Kildow Post 171 of the American Legion, and the Elks Lodge 2481 in Oakland, MD.

He is survived by his three children, Kevin Smith of Alexandria, VA, Karen Smith Fernandez of Hillsborough, NC, and Crandall Smith of Chapel Hill, NC; three step children, Robert Brunetti, Pamela Brunetti and Nanci Van Ness; six grandchildren; and one great grandchild.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Melanie Smith.

Mr. Smith's wishes to be cremated was honored and he will be interred at Garrett County Memorial Gardens beside his beloved Jenny. Friends will be received on Saturday, September 21, 2024, from 11 AM-12 PM at the C & S Fredlock Funeral Home, P.A., 21 N. Second St., Oakland. A celebration of life will begin at 12 PM. The C & S Fredlock Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Smith family at this time.