John Dudley Smith

John Dudley Smith, 80, of Hedgesville, WV, passed away on July 12, 2024, after an extended illness.

John was born in Loma Linda, CA, to Robert and Elsie (Bliven) Smith on November 26, 1943. He became a registered medical technologist in 1967, shortly after he joined the US Army AUS AMEDS, serving as a noncombatant medic (rank SP4). After training at Fort Sam Houston, TX, he was stationed at Fort Detrick, MD, where he volunteered to be part of “Project Whitecoats,” a special division that studied biological warfare and performed vaccine immunization testing.

While proudly serving his country, he met Helen Marie Robinson. They were married June 5, 1969, and spent 55 years together.

John continued to use his medical and laboratory skills, working as a phlebotomist and lab technician. His dedication to his country also continued, as his career included employment at a VA medical center.

John was a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. In his free time he was an avid Harley-Davidson motorcycle rider; enjoyed photography, bird-watching, gardening, music, and participating in trivia night; and was a fan of Washington, DC, sports teams. But his greatest enjoyment was spending time with his family. He was very proud of his four children, and he treasured being with them and their families.

John is survived by his wife, Helen; daughters Kathy (Darrin) Archer and Janette (Jeff) Smith-Rosbash; sons Jonathan (Tonya) and Brian (Hannah); 12 grandchildren; sister, Judy (Sam) McGuire; four sisters-in-law, three brothers-in-law, and nine nieces and nephews.

A funeral service for John will be held on Thursday, July 18, 2024, at 11 AM at Rest Haven Funeral Home, 1601 Pennsylvania Avenue, Hagerstown, MD. The family will receive guests one hour prior to the service, and a graveside service will take place immediately following.