Obituary of Horace Ira Smith, Jr.

Horace Ira “Buster” Smith, Jr

On April 12, 2022, at 1:24 pm, Horace was called to rest.  He was a beloved dad, brother, grandfather, uncle, and godfather. “Buster” was born April 9, 1955, to the late Horace Ira Smith, Sr. and Jean Smith.  Horace, Jr. was the youngest and only son. He was born and raised as a true Washingtonian by his grandparents and his two older sisters Norma & Debbie.

Dedicated Service
Horace Ira Smith Jr. better known as “Buster” was educated in DC Public Schools. Later, on January 23, 1975, he joined the US Army and serviced as a Field Wireman in Fort Ord, California. He also completed a year-long deployment in Germany. On November 21, 1980, he proudly received an honorable discharge after five (5) years of service.

Journey of Love
When “Buster” returned from the service he worked various jobs in the Washington Metropolitan area. He was employed at Reagan National Airport as a shuttler driver for Avis Rent-A-Car, in the early 1980s. While working for Avis, he met the love of his life Nesie along with her 3 young children Sherri, Dirk and Brandy (all under age 10 at that time).  “Buster” accepted all three of the children as his own. “Buster” and Demetrius (Nesie) became a match made in heaven and began of their beautiful journey together.

Family Man
In 1983, “Buster” and Nesie welcomed their baby boy Horace Ira Smith, III (“Lil’ Buster”) and their family was now complete. Not only was “Buster” a family man, but he was also a phenomenal brother to his sisters. He loved his sisters unconditionally and when they called, he was right there in a hurry. There was nothing he would not do for his family. Occasionally, he would attend services at Saint Frances DeSales Catholic Church. This was the church that his family grew up attending together.

Horace Jr. (“Buster”) and Demetrius (Nesie) married on July 13,1990. At that time, he moved the family from Washington, DC to Maryland. This was the start of their new beginning. During that time, he worked very hard driving buses for BWI Connections. To provide for the family, he also worked as a building engineer in Washington, DC. His humble demeanor was always shown towards his employers, family, and friends. He was a compassionate man that was always willing to help anyone that was in need.

Papa Buster
As the grandchildren were born, he found a greater love with being called “Papa.” There was nothing Papa would not do for Kaitlyn, Amanda, Brittany, Clarke, Brandon, and Christopher. He watched them grow from small children, to teens, then to young adults. Blessed, he had the opportunity to meet his first great-grandson Sage. “Papa Buster” was very supportive by always being available for school, sports activities, driving, college experiences, problem-solving, and being there when the grandkids needed “Papa”.

Hobbies, Yacht Club, and Ocean City, MD
“Buster” had many hobbies. He loved and enjoyed bowling for many years and had a mean curve on his bowling ball.  He often took the family to the Rock n Roll midnight bowling sessions and would bowl until the early morning.  He was proud of his 250-bowling average. His passion for boating and fishing was also something he shared with his father and sister. Due to his sister Debbie’s affiliation with the Seafarers Yacht Club, he spent a lot of time at the yacht club. He served as the handyman for many years.

He maintained the upkeep for the grounds and volunteered for the community day clean-ups, fish fries, fight parties, and numerous celebratory events at the Seafarers Yacht Club. All Commodores of the Seafarers Yacht Club knew exactly who “Buster” was and respected him a great deal. They knew that he was dependable and would get the job done with the help of his son, “Lil’ Buster”.

“Buster” and his wife Nesie, hosted many gatherings at their home. They took many trips with the family to Ocean City. “Buster” loved and enjoyed jet-skiing during every trip. Christmas was a special holiday he shared with family.  During his health decline he was determined to be present at events and family gatherings.

“Buster” enjoyed the simple things in life, like spending time with his brother-in-law and best friend Fred Joyner (Big Fred-deceased). They would watch the Redskins and 49ers play football and both would fall asleep on the porch watching the games. They would also organize groups and charter yachts to go fishing with the guys for Fathers’ Day.

Though we are saddened by his passing, we have so many loving
memories to cherish in our hearts forever. “Buster/Dad/Papa” was a stand-up
guy that lived the true meaning of love, honor, and respect for his family.

“Buster” was proceeded in death by Theodore and Isabel Moten (grandparents), Horace Ira. Smith Sr (father), Jean Smith (mother), Deborah “Debbie” Smith (sister) and Demetrius “Nesie” Smith his beloved wife of 4 decades.

He leaves to cherish in his memory, his sons, Horace Ira. Smith, III (Lil’ Buster), Dirk Odom (Duby), two (2) daughters Sherri Howard (son-in-law Michael Howard) and Brandy Otubanjo; three (4) devoted sisters Norma Simmons (brother-in-law Robert), India Gibson (sister), Rosalyn Frierson and Tiffiney Smith (sister); six (6) grandchildren: Kaitlyn, Amanda, Brittany, Clarke, Brandon, and Christopher; two (2) great-grandsons: Sage and Jensen; as well as Malcom and Ryan (nephews), Felicia (niece); Damonte, Byron and Martin (great-nephews), Consuela and Maya (great-nieces), his adopted daughter Khadija; his goddaughter Nadia and his godson Maduka; his precious dog Lacey; his lifelong friends Buddy and Harvey; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws, and other relatives and friends.