Eric Smart

It is with heavy heart we announce the death of husband, father, and grandfather, Eric Smart, 84, on Sunday Sunday 7, 2020. He had been in declining health for several years and was not strong enough to beat the Covid-19 virus when it struck. He was predeceased by son, Terry, in 2016.

Eric is survived by his wife of 61 years, Patricia, and by his three daughters, Elizabeth Smart D’Arcy, Mary Smart (Stuckey), Amy Oneacre, and grandchildren, Eric Reed and Megan Smart, Alexandra and Kyle D’Arcy, and Tyler and Allison Oneacre, as well as great-grandchildren by marriage,Naomi and Dyllan Myers.

Eric was born in Forest City, NC, February 13, 1936, to parents Terry and Merrel Smart. He graduated from Cool Springs High School in 1954 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from NC State University in 1961. He later earned a MS in Engineering at Texas A&M University in 1967.

He spent 20 years in the US Army Corps of Engineers, two of which were in Vietnam, and was the recipient of two Bronze Stars. One of his most memorable assignments was as an advisor to the Republic of Korea Army Engineer Group in Pusan, Korea. The last 20 years of his working life were spent as a consulting engineer with Charles Brooks Associates.

Eric’s military and civilian careers carried him around the globe - Korea, Germany, Saudi Arabia, as well as numerous locations in the US. These assignments afforded Eric and his family the opportunity to build many life-long friendships.

Eric doted on his grandchildren. There was nothing he enjoyed more than being with and supporting their efforts. On almost any weekend you could find him on the bleachers at a baseball or softball game. And long after he gave up traveling he flew to his grandson’s Eagle Scout award ceremony in Pennsylvania. He was a much loved and terrific grandpa. You will be sorely missed Poppy.

There were many activities Eric enjoyed, but researching his ancestors was his favorite. He compiled a fact-filled and interesting book on the Smart family going back many generations, and presented a copy to each of his children.

A private Military Honors service will be held at the Georgia National Cemetery at Canton, GA when Covid-19 restrictions are lifted.

Memorial donations may be made to Fisher House Foundation, fisherhouse.org.