J. Roland  Smith (July 17, 1922 - August 15, 2021)

In loving memory of
J. Roland Smith
  • July 17, 1922
  • -
  • August 15, 2021

  • Obituary

Obituary

J. Roland Smith, 99, of New Smyrna Beach passed away August 15,2021. He was born in Bartlett, New
Hampshire on July 17, 1922. Roland was raised in New Hampshire and graduated from Conway High
School. He went on to attend the Wentworth Institute in Boston. After graduation he began a career in the
printing business in Falmouth, MA specializingin commercial and publication printing. He honorably
served in the U.S. Navy fuom 1942-1945. He attended several schools state side while serving as a
Pharmacists Mate l’t class. He also served at the Pearl Harbor Navy Yard, Seabees in Guam and in Rota.
Upon landing on Rota he found the Japanese flag still flying over their command center. As he worded it
he “liberated” the flag and the stars and strips were put up. That Japanese flag along with a picture of
Roland are on permanent display at the U.S. Nar,y Memorial in Washington, D.C. Roland moved to
Florida in 1948 and continued his career in printing, both in Orlando and St. Petersburg. In 1951-1952he
was recalled by the Navy for the Korean conflict, serving as a Dental Tech 1s class and working on
Special Independent Assignments and the Iceland Defense Force. At this time he worked in coordination
with the O.S.S. which later became the C.LA.. In 1953, after his discharge, Roland began teaching
printing in St. Petersburg. During that time he developed and published curiculum and authored several
articles. From 1953 to 1966 he attended Florida State University where he obtained a degree in
Vocational Administration and Curriculum. He became the Vocational Director at Daytona Beach
Community College from 1966 to 1985. He developed and implemented programs for the college in the
areas of the health industry and public service and served as president of United Child Care and Mental
Health Association. From 1985 to 2000 he was an Education Consultant for Prison Industries of Florida
and documented and arranged certification of the industries. He enjoyed extensive travel and photography
of the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Mexico. In retirement he was active in the First Baptist Church Of
N.S.B., Gideons, Friendship Force, Wings and Wheels Museum and participated in Honor Air 2Al2.He
is predeceased by his wife of 30 years, Patricia Randolph Smith. Survivors include his sister, Grace
Davis, Manchester, NH; daughter, Marilyn S. Ponds, New Port Richey, FL; stepchiidren, Leslie Twigger,
Deborah Kemp, and Charles Aldridge; grandchildren, Jeremy and Melodie Kemp and several greatgrandchildren.
Friends may call Friday August 27 from 12pm-1pm at the First Baptist Church Of New
Smyrna Beach, 200 Faulkner Street. Funeral services will follow at lpm. lnterment with Military honors
will be in Sea Pines Cemetery Edgewater. Donations may be made in his memory to Gideons
International.


Service

Location:
1st Baptist Church of New Smyrna Beach

Date & Time:
August 27, 2021 at 1:00 PM


Cemetery:
Sea Pines Memorial Gardens



Visitation

Times:
August 27, 2021
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM



Location:
1st Baptist Church of New Smyr


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