Owen Joseph Smith, Jr.

Owen Joseph “Skip” Smith, Jr., 75, went to be with the Lord on February 22, 2021. A Salem, New Jersey native, he lived in Poquoson for over 50 years. Skip was a 1963 graduate of Newport News High School, where he ran track and played basketball. In 1969, he graduated from the Newport News Shipyard Apprentice School.

Skip worked in the N.N. Shipyard as a machinist instructor following his graduation from the Apprentice School but was better known as the owner/operator of both Poquoson Nursery and Irrigation and O.J. Smith Services. He was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church and sang in the George W. Amos Men’s Choir. He was also a member of the Poquoson Masonic Lodge. In the late 1960s, Skip played basketball with the WGH Microphonies. He loved his ’64 Corvette and his Harley-Davidson. He was heavily involved with Boy Scout Troop 51 and performed as Frankenstein in the Poquoson Haunted House.

Skip is reunited in Heaven with his mother, Gladys Virginia Wilmot and father, Owen J. Smith, Sr.

He is survived by his children, James Richard Smith and Owen J. (Skippy) Smith, III (Amanda); grandchildren, Donald (Chrissy) and Kaylei; great-granddaughters, Harleigh, Lola, and Luna; former wife, Linda Smith; special cousin, Violet Lockard, and many dear friends.

A celebration of life will be held at Trinity United Methodist Church on March 6, 2021 at 2:30 P.M. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Skip’s friend and physician, Dr. Keith Newby. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church. Arrangements and heartfelt guidance through Claytor Rollins Funeral Home. Online condolences to claytorrollins.com.

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