Orlando Wilson “Buck” Smith, 95, of Millboro, Virginia, passed on to heaven to be with his Saviour Saturday, June 20, 2026 at Sunnyside Communities, Harrisonburg, Virginia.
He was born March 16, 1931 in Bath County, Virginia, the son of the late Robert Hongrover Smith and Alvah Greta Robertson Smith.
He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy having served during the Korean War.
After being a top salesman for Benjamin Moore Paints and having owned Richmond Paint Supply, he worked side by side with his wife in the Arts N’ Craft Center in Richmond, Virginia which he owned and operated for over twenty years.
Mr. Smith was a previous member of Fairfield Presbyterian Church in Richmond Virginia, and active as a Deacon and Elder there for almost 40 years. For the past 25 plus years, he has been an active member of Windy Cove Presbyterian Church in Millboro, VA where he served as an Elder. He and Barbara routinely served Meals on Wheels locally and he served on many mission trips overseas. He was active in the Lions Club. An international checker champion he traveled to Las Vegas, Nevada and Branson, Missouri routinely placing in the top 5. He also won the state championship numerous times. His highest claim to fame was winning an international checker championship in 2017. He was an avid hunter and a breeder of AKC registered beagles. He ran field trials and trained champion beagles both locally and nationally. He was once featured in Better Beagling Magazine.
Mr. Smith was married to Barbara Jane Innes Smith who preceded him in death on September 30, 2023. They shared 67 beautiful years together.
He is survived by three children, Kevin B. Smith of Richmond, Virginia, Dr. Mark R. Smith & wife Julie of Culpeper, Virginia, and Matthew S. Smith & wife Julie of Mt. Crawford, Virginia; twelve grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and two sisters
, Reba Thurston of Richmond, Virginia and Wanda Smith of Richmond, Virginia.
He was preceded in death by three brothers, Robert Smith, Jr., Darnell Smith, and Burnell Smith; and a sister, Maxine Fraley.
A Celebration of Life will be held 2:00 p.m., Sunday, June 28, 2026, at Windy Cove Presbyterian Church Pavilion (33691 Mountain Valley Rd., Millboro, VA 24460) with Reverend Con Sauls officiating. Interment will be in Smith Family Cemetery, on Tunnel Hill Road, Millboro, Virginia. Pallbearers will be his family.
The family will receive friends one hour prior to services from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. at the Church Pavilion.
Memorial contributions may be made to Windy Cove Presbyterian Church Building Fund, 102 Windy Cove Road, Millboro, Virginia 24460.
I’m so sorry to hear of your dads passing
RIP to a great man who lived a full life. We are so very sorry we cannot be there to celebrate your life but you and the rest of the Smith family will be in our thoughts! We will miss you, Grandpa Smith!
All our love,
Jake, Ashley, & Mallory Springer
A kind caring family man of God
Buck was an amazing man who remains an inspiration to many of us. He and Barbara are now reunited once again and enjoying their Lord and Savior for eternity.
Such a wonderful man. I have such fond memories of our families spending time together.
Now that he and Barbara are together in heaven I’m sure they are dancing and smiling down on us all.
Rest in peace Buck.
Dr. Mark, Julie, and the entire family,
Our family sends our deepest love and prayers to you today. Your father was a truly extraordinary and magnetic man, and it was an absolute privilege to have known him. Though I only spent a few occasions with him while staying with Mark and Julie, he left an unforgettable mark on my heart.
Above all, he was a proud man of God, and his faith shone through everything he did. I will always remember his incredible warmth and humility. Even though he was a brilliant businessman, a checkers champion, and the center of attention in any room, he went out of his way to sit right next to me, a visitor and a minister, to make me feel honored and heard.
I will forever cherish how he shared his pride as a Korean War veteran with me, knowing with a knowing smile the deep bond between the U.S. and the brave Ethiopian forces who fought there. His sharp mind, his ability to remember every detail of my stories, and his vibrant, tireless spirit—working on his tractor well into his 80s—showed the true depth of his character.
More than anything, I was deeply moved by his profound, beautiful devotion to taking care of his beloved Barbara at home. Hearing him speak so fondly of her and knowing he was ready to be reunited with her in heaven is a beautiful comfort. He ran his race with such dignity. May God grant your family peace as you celebrate his remarkable 95 years of life.
Mr. Smith was a great person. First meant him 17 or so years ago when we started going to Millboro to our camp. He set on our porch a couple of times and we talked about life. I gathered then that he was a devoted family man especially to his wife. As with such a loss I wish we had talked more. Sad that we could not make the service but know that our prayers go out to him and his family.
Mr. Smith was a great person. First meant him 17 or so years ago when we started going to Millboro to our camp. He set on our porch a couple of times and we talked about life. I gathered then that he was a devoted family man especially to his wife. As with such a loss I wish we had talked more. Sad that we could not make the service but know that our prayers go out to him and his family.
We sure will miss our “Uncle” Buck as we often called him. I will treasure the many times we had with him. Rest in peace, fella.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this most difficult time.
Sending our deepest condolences,
The Gentiva Hospice Team
we will always treasure the memories of our years together with
Buck and Barbara and their sons at Fairfield Presbyterian Church.
They were a big part of the fellowship and have been greatly missed.
Our love and prayers are with the family.
Sue & Billy
I Really am already Missing this Man and know he’s with The Lord he served.
Hope He’s leaving All of You Family and Friends the Greatest of Memories!
Praying for All of You in Virginia and elsewhere ❤️