Roger Leroy Smith, 88, departed this earthly life on Saturday, October 30, 2010, at the Civista Medical Center in LaPlata, Maryland.

Roger, affectionately known as "Mr. Roger", was born August 7, 1922 to the late George Roy and Pearl Celestine Smith in Pisgah, Maryland.

Roger was educated in the Charles County Maryland School System. He was employed with the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Indian Head Division (formerly known as Naval Ordnance Station) in Indian Head, Maryland for 32 years, where he retired on March 1, 1980 as an Explosive Operator. Roger was a member of the St. Mary Star of the Sea Parish, Indian Head, Maryland.

Mr. Roger was master at repairing things. On warm sunny days you could find him outside tending to his yard and cleaning his cars. He enjoyed listening to music, especially Willie Nelson's song "Always on My Mind." Dancing was also something Mr. Roger enjoyed and he didn't mind showing you his moves by doing the Moon Walk for all to see. Shopping at the Safeway and weekly trips to KFC were also things Mr. Roger enjoyed doing.

On January 5, 2008, Mr. Roger entered into holy matrimony with Celestine Lawson. Anyone that knew him knew that he loved his wife and didn't mind showing his affection towards her.

Mr. Roger loved his family and was proud of their accomplishments, especially his granddaughter, Jenifer. He was a humble and private person with an unselfish spirit and was always willing to lend a hand to help anyone who needed it.

In addition to his parents, Roger was preceded in death by his two sisters, Elenora Hill, and Veronica Byrd, one brother, Lucian Smith and his first wife, Marie Smallwood Smith.

He leaves to cherish precious memories his caring and devoted wife Celestine, son Alvin Lawson, Sr., step son, Huppee Smitty Butler; two daughters-in-law, Lucy Butler and Deirdra Lawson; eleven grandchildren, Monica and Melissa Smith, Elizabeth and Tiffany Butler, Alvin Jr., Timothy (Tim) and Adam Lawson, Lawrence (Larry) Taylor, Tia and Audrey Butler and Sonya Simpson, Special grand daughter Jenifer; four foster children Arnita, Darnita, Denis and Sabrina Phillips, eight great grandchildren, special niece Kathy Davis; four sisters-in-law, Lorraine Smallwood, Mary Swann, Florine Savoy and Mamie Johnson; six brothers-in-law Woodrow Smallwood, James Swann, Samuel Savoy, Jessie William and Daniel Lawson and caregivers Ethel Johnson (niece), Samuel Savoy (life long friend) and Sadonia Taylor (cousin) and a host of other relatives and friends.

His viewing will be held on Saturday, November 6th, 9:30am until time of service 11:00am, St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church, Indian Head, Maryland. Interment, St. Charles Cemetery, Glymont, MD.

Arrangements entrusted to Thornton Funeral Home, PA, 3439 Livingston Road, Indian Head, MD.