PHILIP NATHANIEL SMITH, 96, of DeLand, passed away at home on Monday, November 29. Phil was born in Chicago and graduated from Northwestern Univ. were he met and, after an innovative pursuit for her affection, married the love of his life, Joan, in 1941.

Phil enlisted in the US Army and served as 1st LT, Artillery, in Panama during WWII. Returning to civilian life, he began a career in sales & marketing, eventually retiring as Nat'l Mktg. Mgr for Continental Can Corp. and moved to DeLand over 30 years ago. Phil's many civic activities and honors included Kiwanian of the Year on multiple occasions, city councilman, and youth group mentor.

Active in church throughout his life, Phil served as choir member, Sunday school teacher, deacon and elder. In retirement, Phil continued an active lifestyle, co-founding the mens singing group, "Great Expectations" with his brother-in-law, John Wittich, formerly of DeLand. He also appeared regularly in the Orlando Sentinel as a columnist covering club and organization activities in and around DeLand. Phil's great personality and ready smile will be remembered and recognized by many as portrayed in the large mural in downtown DeLand.

He is survived by wife Joan; daughter, Suzy; sons, Carter and Elliott; cousin, Phyllis Silhan; grandsons, Jesse and Joshua; great-granddaugher, Allie; nieces Leanne Elliott, Lilly Camilli, Gretchen Cocuzza, Jane Tock, Nan Zvonar; nephews, Ken Elliott, John Wittich, Jr. and Phel Steinmetz.

Memorial services will be conducted at DeLand's 1st Presbyterian Church on December 5th, 2010 at 4:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, it is suggested contributions be made in Phil's name to his favorite charity, The Smile Train. Arrangements by Deltona Memorial Funeral home, Orange City.