Mark Smith

Mark Aaron Smith

Dec. 12,1932 ~ Jan. 20, 2021

Mark Aaron Smith died at home on January 20, 2021 in Mahomet, IL, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on December 12, 1932 to Ernest Elmer and Vistie Hawkins Smith in Marshall, NC. Mark is survived by his wife of fifty-nine years, Christine Kennedy Smith, son Hugh (Ellen) Smith of Palatine, IL and their children, Ian and Anja, son Mark (Kate) Smith of Mahomet, IL and their children Molly and Nate, and sister Mary Ann Henderson of Greeneville, TN.

First of his family to attend college, Mark graduated as a machinery designer from the apprenticeship program at Newport News Shipbuilding in Newport News, VA. After winning a highly sought- after scholarship, he received his BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He was a registered professional engineer in Alabama, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.

While at Newport News Shipbuilding, Mark worked on several projects with the United States Naval Department in Washington, DC, developing contract specifications and guidance plans for the aircraft carriers USS Enterprise, USS America, and USS John F. Kennedy. He was also a design supervisor and directed a large group of naval engineers and designers as they worked to prepare de- sign and manufacturing plans for surface and commercial ships.

From 1971 until 1994, he worked with Litton Ship Systems in Pascagoula, Mississippi, later transferring to Litton Industries Di- visions: Data Systems and Ingalls Shipyard. Following his retirement, Mark continued to work on contracted projects with the United States Naval Research and Development Center until 2005, a role that gave him many exciting opportunities to travel abroad to Finland, Norway, Germany, the United Kingdom, Russia, and Japan.

Above all else, Marks greatest joy was found in those he loved most. Longtime residents of Mobile, AL, Mark and Christine moved to Mahomet, IL in 2017 to be closer to family. His years in Illinois were filled with quality time spent with his wife, sons, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, and much-loved "granddogs," Sophie and Rosie. In his last year, he was cared for by a team of caregivers, whom he loved as family. Toward the latter part of his life Mark had several conversations with his family concerning their Christian faith and made his profession of faith in Christ.

Memorial contributions may be made to an organization of the donors choice.

There will not be services held at this time.

The family has entrusted Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Mahomet, Illinois 1102 Churchill Rd. Mahomet, Illinois 61853 with arrangements

Please join his family in sharing memories, photos and videos on his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com