Julius Smith, Jr., fondly known as “Smitty” by his family, “Juice” by college friends, “Dad” to his children, and
“PaPa” to his granddaughters, embarked on his eternal rest on November 7, 2023, in Laurel, MD. Born on March
25, 1956, in Washington, DC, he was the cherished son of the late Julius Smith, Sr. and Dorothy Smith.

Julius’s early education took place in the Prince George’s County public schools, culminating in his graduation
from Bladensburg High School in 1974. He furthered his education at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore,
earning his degree in 1978, and was a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. His spiritual life was
nurtured at Mt. Carmel Baptist church in Washington, DC, where he was baptized, and a devoted Sunday School
attendee.

He entered into a loving marriage with Gail Steward on August 2, 1986, and their union was blessed with two
children, Sherelle and Julius (Trey). Julius was a pillar in his family, actively engaging in his children’s lives, from
attending PTA meetings to supporting their dance and sports events. He was the quintessential family man who not
only embraced the role of supportive parent but also became a familiar face in the community as the neighborhood
chauffeur, reliably taking Trey and other local children to their practices and games.

Julius’s zest for life was infectious. He loved sports, music, and family gatherings where he would reminisce
and discuss sports. Once a drummer in a band, he continued to play for the sheer joy of his family, especially his
granddaughters. A die-hard Washington Commanders’ fan, he was also a stats enthusiast for football, basketball,
and baseball.

One of his greatest joys was witnessing his daughter’s wedding and being there for the births of each of his three
granddaughters, who were the lights of his life. Julius embraced his role as a granddad wholeheartedly, attending
dance recitals for Jada and Zoë, and growing a vegetable garden with his granddaughter, Harper. His home and
yard were a testament to his handiness and care; he was the go-to fixer-upper, ensuring everything was in perfect
order for his family’s happiness.

In the heart of his familial devotion was a cherished principle: a happy life is anchored in a happy wife. Julius
embodied this belief, demonstrating his love for Gail with unwavering dedication. Never missing a single occasion
in 37 years, he showered her with flowers on Valentine’s Day, their wedding anniversary, and her birthday. Their
mutual affection was a testament to their deep bond. Together, they epitomized a partnership of love and friendship;
they were inseparable, sharing every aspect of life with joyful togetherness. When one was present, the other was
never far behind. This unity of heart and purpose was a hallmark of their marriage and an endearing sight to all who
knew them.

Professionally, Julius dedicated 40 years to the Bureau of the Census as a statistician and retired as the Assistant
Division Chief of Manufacturing, Mining, and Construction in March 2019. His work was as much about the
friendships he made as it was about the data he analyzed.

Julius was preceded in death by his parents, Julius and Dorothy Smith, Sr., and by his brother, Robert “Bob”
Smith, Sr. He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 37 years, Gail Smith, as well as his children Sherelle
(Michael) Duncan and Julius “Trey” Smith, III; granddaughters, Jada Smith, Zoë Smith and Harper Duncan; sister,
Gloria Smith; father-in-law, Charles Steward; sisters-in-law, Sharon Timbers, Adrienne (Keith) Greene, Charlene
Steward, Torhea Timbers; brothers-in-law, Kevin Steward, Sheldon (Tamela) Steward, Rendall Steward; nieces/
nephews, Kevin (Patricia) Smith, Kenieth (Richard) Winfrey, Robert Smith, Jr., Branden Steward, Jessika Steward,
Nysha and Nyla Steward, Kuren Anderson-Steward, Sheldon Steward, Jr. and Ava Steward; great-neices/nephews,
Kourtney and Kendall Clark, Jayla and Delonte, Amyrah Steward; and a host of families and friends.