In Loving Memory of Lynn T. Smith

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved Lynn "Tede" Smith. He left this world on January 26, 2025, just one day after celebrating his 84th birthday with his family. He was a devoted husband, father, and friend—a pillar of strength and a man whose kindness and wisdom touched everyone he met.

Born on January 25, 1941, in Lockport, New York, Tede lived a life full of love, laughter, hard work, and unwavering dedication to his family.

Lynn served in the U.S. Navy as a Senior Chief Electrician's Mate from 1960 to 1980, where he took immense pride in his work.  He served on several ships, including the U.S.S. Long Beach during the Vietnam War, the U.S.S. Belle Grove, and the U.S.S. Truxtun.  Lynn was also a Plank Owner on the U.S.S. Nimitz, where he served in the Nuclear Division from 1972-1979.

Upon retiring from the Navy, Lynn worked for Newport News Shipbuilding as a nuclear power instructor.  During his 15 years of teaching, he often rode his bike to work and back from Hampton to their offices in Oyster Point (about 13 miles each way!) until his retirement in 1995.  While at the Shipyard, he went back to school and earned his bachelor's degree from St. Leo University.

Tede's greatest joy came from the time spent with those he loved. He and Susan traveled many times to Pennsylvania and New York to visit friends and relatives, and they took trips across the U.S. to attend ship reunions and keep in touch with his Navy buddies.

Preceded in death by his parents Charles and Leona Smith, he is survived by his wife of 60 years, Susan J. Smith; daughter, Lee-Ann Smith-Dean and her husband, James T. Dean; son, Eric Lynn Smith; brother, Charles R. Smith and his wife, Pauline; brother-in-law Walter T. Gurney and his wife Mardou; and his extended family of nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends.  All who will forever cherish his guidance and the lessons he imparted. His legacy of love, resilience, kindness, and humor will live on in each of us.

A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at a 11:00 AM on Monday, April 28, 2025 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Hampton, VA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church, 512 Buckroe Avenue, Hampton, VA 23664.

Though he is no longer with us in body, his spirit remains in the countless lives he touched. Rest peacefully, Dad. You will be missed beyond measure and loved forever.