Douglas Walter Smoak, Jr

Mr. Douglas Walter Smoak, Jr., known by many as “Doug”, age 69, entered into rest in the early hours of Tuesday morning, December 3, 2014, in Yemassee.

Born April 22, 1945, a son of the late Douglas Walter Smoak, Sr. and the late Constance Meggett Smoak, he was a native of Fort Lauderdale, Florida having made the Lowcountry of South Carolina his home since 1975. Doug served our country faithfully in the United States Air Force, having the rank of Load Master he saw three tours of duty during the Vietnam War and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. He received his Associates Degree in Aerospace Technology from Broward Junior College in Fort Lauderdale, FL and was also a licensed Private Pilot. After a longtime friendship with Jesse and Judy Pilch, who are also the Godparents of Doug’s two children, he along with Jesse founded and operated Oak Crest Plumbing – a business which he had devoted himself entirely, becoming known by many for his trade and quality of work. Doug was also well known by all for his joking humor, never ending faithfulness to others, and commitment to his family and grandchildren. After his retirement, he became an amateur farmer as well as an avid hunter and fisherman who had a deep love for “The Farm”. He served on the Board of Directors for the Colleton County Alcohol and Drug Commission and was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, and the Walterboro Jaycees. Not only was he persistent in attending ballgames with his grandsons, he played softball and volleyball with the Colleton County Parks and Recreation Commission in Walterboro He also coached his children’s Little League Baseball and Softball teams for many years. Doug left this world providing his beloved family and treasured friends with a smile and many fond memories. Those that loved him most knew he did everything “Doug style.”

Surviving are: his two children, Becky E. Broderick and her husband James of Walterboro and Matthew J. Smoak and his wife Stacy of Ruffin and their mother, Judith Ann Smoak of Ruffin; two brothers, Pete Henry and his wife Gwen and Ron Henry both of Jenson Beach, Florida. There are five grandsons, James Broderick, II, Douglas Hudson Evans, Matthew Carter Smoak, Greyson Davis Smoak, and William Jack Broderick; his beloved K9 companion, “Mz Redd”; two aunts, Mrs. Clarice Ross and Harriett Kessler; and a sister-in-law, Jacquie Miller of Walterboro as well as numerous cousins.

In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested that memorial contributions be directed in his memory to the following: Friends of the Colleton County Animal Shelter, 99 Poor Farm Road, Walterboro, South Carolina 29488; or to The Wounded Warrior Project, Post Office Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675.

The family will be at the home of James and Becky Broderick, 113 Pecan Road, Walterboro.

Family and friends are invited to call for a time of remembrance and gathering with the family this Sunday afternoon from 2 o’clock until 4 o’clock at THE BRICE W. HERNDON AND SONS FUNERAL HOME, WALTERBORO CHAPEL, 1193 Bells Highway, Walterboro; 843.538.5408. Visit the registry online at: www.briceherndonfuneralhome.com.

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