In retirement, he lived in Merritt Island where he spent his time boating, fishing and watching birds
“Good Ole Dad,” Paul Daugherty Smith III, passed away peacefully on the morning of April 29, 2026, at the age of 87. In retirement, he moved to his cherished waterfront home in Merritt Island.
BREVARD• MERRITT ISLAND, FLORIDA – “Good Ole Dad,” Paul Daugherty Smith III, passed away peacefully on the morning of April 29, 2026, at the age of 87.
Paul was born in September 1938 in Mount Holly Springs, Pennsylvania, and lived a full and meaningful life surrounded by friends and family, always known for his warm smile and positive outlook.
In his early years, he attended Mechanicsburg High School in Pennsylvania before continuing his education at Gordon Military College and the University of Georgia.
He went on to build a career as a comptroller in Pennsylvania.
He enjoyed a wide range of hobbies throughout his life, including gardening, woodworking, caving, and hunting.
In retirement, he moved to his cherished waterfront home in Merritt Island, Florida, where he spent his time boating, fishing, and watching birds—especially his beloved purple martins. He often referred to the home as “paradise.”
A lifelong Lutheran, he remained deeply rooted in his faith. Following a stroke in July 2018, he shared that he experienced a visitation from his Guardian Angel and believed he had been told his life was extended because his work on Earth was not yet complete.
In the years that followed, he embraced that sense of purpose by becoming an author, writing a five-volume autobiography and a humorous book of sayings titled The Second Mouse Gets the Cheese.
He also authored a well-known bumper sticker that read, “Our Family Bible Holds Our Survival.”
In his later years, he was cared for by Annie, Jamie, and Ashley, whose support and compassion were deeply appreciated by the family. The family also extends gratitude to Hospice of Health First for their excellent care.
He is survived by his daughter, Pam Winegar, and her husband Richard; his son, Bob Smith; his grandson, Ben Smith, and his wife Ashley, along with their children, Stella and Rhys; and his granddaughter, Kellie Kuhn, and her husband Ron, along with their children, Daniel, Mollie, and Emilie.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Betty Smith of Hershey, Pennsylvania, and his wife, Elizabeth.
In accordance with his wishes, no formal service will be held.
He asked instead that those who knew him take time with someone special and hold their loved ones a little closer. As he often said, “More important than the years in your life, is the life in your years.”
