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In memory of

Kirk Wesley Smith

Peoria, AZ, USA

1968 - April 25, 2020

1968 - Apr 25, 2020

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Kirk Wesley Smith was so much more than a great pilot. He was a devoted father, a true friend, an inspiring coach, and an American patriot. His smile was contagious, his words were honest, and his love for his family was undying.

He was born to Gary and Kathleen Smith and grew up in Alexandria, Virginia with his sister, Sheryl Smith Stauss and brother, Greg Smith. Early on, his appreciation for teamwork and his competitive spirit emerged in his passion for sports, most notably in baseball and basketball. Kirk's magnanimous personality started on the fields of sport, but soon extended to all things he did. At Fort Hunt High School, later renamed West Potomac, his jock talents and all-around big personality were recognized in being named "Mr. West Potomac" as a senior.

Following graduation, he headed south for the warm weather of Tallahassee where he was a Florida State University ROTC standout and proud Pi Kappa Alpha member. He continued to cultivate his sense of teamwork through intramural sports, but quickly realized a higher purpose with his desire to serve his country. Graduating with his Bachelor's degree in 1990, he then commissioned as a United States Air Force Second Lieutenant, while also earning a highly coveted Undergraduate Pilot Training slot. Kirk transitioned from training to the "Fightin' 5-0" 50th Airlift Squadron at Little Rock AFB, where he supported operational missions across the globe as a C-130H pilot. This was followed by an assignment to the 311th Airlift Flight at Offutt AFB in Omaha, Nebraska, where he supported U.S. Transportation Command and U.S. Strategic Command missions. He was then handpicked as one of only three C-21A pilots in the squadron to fly four-star generals and admirals. Kirk also regularly supported the US Army Airborne School at Fort Benning, Georgia, where his son Brennan would earn his "Jump Wings” 20 years later.

While he loved serving his country, Kirk realized he needed to provide more stability for his family. Southwest Airlines quickly snagged him and the family moved to Phoenix, Arizona, where he once again found warmer weather. Over the next 20 years, Kirk upgraded to Boeing 737 Captain, earning the nickname “Captain Kirk” and opening a whole new world of friends and colleagues. Kirk was fond of saying, "Find a better office view than mine!" Not bad for being at work. Though he loved flying, he also found incredible joy in coaching Little League and travel baseball. From lessons on teamwork to sharing experiences of service and commitment, Kirk’s infectious personality touched countless lives on and off the baseball diamond. He cherished the time he had with his family and it was during these years he would be further blessed with the birth of Ava and Gary. Kirk often boasted that his favorite place was his backyard pool where he could spend countless hours playing with Brennan, Ava, and Gary, while sipping Mojitos, and blasting James Taylor's "Fire and Rain."

While Kirk left us on Saturday, April 25, 2020, his unfailing love lives on his children: Ava, Gary, and Brennan. He will missed dearly.

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In lieu of flowers, consider a gift to Kids of Kirk Smith Memorial Fund.

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