Douglass Warren Smith, 90, went to be with the Lord on June 3rd, 2025.

Douglass was born June 17th, 1934 in Daytona Beach, Florida, to Norman and Frances (née Douglass) Smith. Douglass' parents' families were early homesteaders in the state of Florida dating back to the 1800's. His mother Frances taught English at Seabreeze High School, while his father Norman was involved in the auto business from the early 20th century when Volusia County was at the forefront of auto racing.

Douglass graduated from Seabreeze High School and continued his education at Stetson University. While at Stetson, Douglass enlisted in the Air Force and reported to Malden Air Base in Missouri for pilot training in 1952.

Douglass' military career spanned some 25 years and took him around the world. From 1963 to 1966, Douglass served in Chile, where he was a US Air Force Military Advisor. From 1968 to 1970, Douglass flew reconnaissance missions in Vietnam as the command pilot in the Super Constellation, C-121. Following Vietnam, Douglass reported to Albrook Air Force Base in Panama, where he remained until 1973 when he reported to the Pentagon for duty. Douglass' final military assignment would take him to Santiago, Chile, where he served as the US Air Force Attache to the Chilean government from 1975 to 1978.

During his tenure as Air Force Attache in Chile, Douglass would have occasion to return to the Pentagon for military meetings and conferences. It is then that he met Sharon Vasky, his devoted wife of 47 years, during a chance encounter at Fort Myer Officer's Club. In spite of the great distance between them their relationship flourished.

Douglass retired from the Air Force in 1978 with many awards and medals in recognition of his outstanding service. Some of which include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, and Air Force Commendation Medal. He was also awarded the Chilean Star of Military Merit, having been the only non-Chilean ever honored with this award.

After his retirement as Lt. Colonel from the Air Force, Douglass worked as an executive for several different aeronautical companies including McDonnel Douglas, Northrop Grumman, and Boeing. These positions led Douglass and Sharon all over the world from Hawaii to Europe to the Middle East and Chile.

When Douglass finally retired, he and Sharon settled in Florida where they put down roots in Flagler Beach. Douglass would continue to do consulting work for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, where he took great pride in assisting Embry-Riddle in creating a pilot training school in Chile.

Douglass was active at his church where he served as an usher for many years. He was loved by all who knew him. He was a friend to everyone and always ready to lend a hand or help anyone in need.

Douglass is survived by his wife, Sharon; daughters from a previous marriage (Anne Lauterbach), Erin and Laurie; granddaughter, Sarah; and great grandchildren, Abigail, Lauren, Maya, and Ari.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Bunnell on Saturday, July 5th at 11:00 am. A Funeral Mass and Interment with Full Military Honors will be held at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia at a date to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial donations may be made in Douglass' honor to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation .

Funeral arrangements are under the careful direction of Lohman Funeral Home Ormond, 733 W Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, FL 32174, 386-673-1100.