George Osgood Smith, Lcdr USN(Ret.) 88, Clermont, passed away January 9, 2011 at the Mike Conley Hospice House. He was born April 1, 1922 in Clermont son of Jesse Langford Smith & Nell Bailey Smith. He was a retired Lieutenant Commander in the US Navy having served in WWII and the Korean Conflict. He was a member of Ferndale Baptist Church & member & former governor of the Florida chapter Avion Club. He was preceded in death by his first wife of 50+ years, Virginia Mercedes George Smith in 2002, sons Joseph Eugene Reilly & Joseph James Reilly & siblings Martha Coons & Herbert Rutzebeck. Surviving are his daughters Laura Ann Garbe & husband Warren of Vail, CO & Virginia Kay Whitney & husband Craig of Mayville, WI; wife of 6 years Juanita McClanahan Smith; 8 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren & brother Forrest Rutzebeck & wife Kathleen of Crystal River, FL.  BECKER FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, Clermont, FL 34711. Telephone 352-394-7121.



The funeral service for George Osgood Smith will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, January 12, 2011 at Ferndale Baptist Church. Pastor Gordon "Bird" Sanders will officiate. Burial will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6-8 PM on Tuesday, January 11, 2011 at the funeral home. The family suggests memorial contributions to the Mike Coneley Hospice House.