Obituary of Aric Gerald Smith Jr

Aric Gerald Smith Jr, Beloved son of the late Aric Gerald Smith and Karen Louise Harris was born on May 16, 1970 in Washington, D.C. at Freedman's Hospital. Aric passed away peacefully in his sleep after a seizure on January 3, 2024. He grew up in Columbia, Maryland where he formed lifelong friendships, claiming many such as Kenny, Malcolm, Rob, Troy, Micah, Wayne, Phillip, and Sam as brothers. His sister, Melinda, was his best friend. From a young age, Aric was very independent and determined. He would always choose to do things in the right way as he saw fit. He was loving and loyal to the extreme. If you were in his circle, there was nothing he wouldn't do to protect or support you. Aric was also sentimental, always remembering birthdays, Mother's Day, and other special occasions. Aric was educated in the Howard County Public School System, attending Talbott Springs, Swansfield, and Running Brook Elementary, Wilde Lake Middle and High, and graduating from Oakland Mills High School. He excelled in track achieving numerous trophies and awards; and earned both athletic and academic scholarships to Frostburg State College, Community College of Baltimore and UMBC. Aric inherited the best qualities of his father. He was polite and respectful, always a gentleman, ambitious, articulate, and valued family above all. Aric started working at age 14 in order to earn money to buy a dirt bike. Throughout his life, he worked as a waiter, bank teller, and telephone representative until he partnered with his Dad, marketing and selling food products. He sold Champ cookies for Muhammed Ali, Michael Jackson candy bars, and sweet potato cookies. He also worked for the City of Baltimore as a draftsman, drawing detailed technical maps of the city streets. Aric had many hobbies and interests. As a young person, he was a coin collector with many rare coins in his portfolio. Aric was a member of Ms. Blake's Youth Travel Club, coached his niece's youth basketball team for Columbia Basketball Association, and also coached a Towson youth basketball team. He was an avid bike rider with the Baltimore Bicycling Club. He was a volunteer for Charles Village Association, responsible for addressing neighborhood issues and planting trees. Aric dearly loved and will live on in the hearts of his mother Karen Harris; brother and sisters Melinda Smith, Daniel Gaither, Allyson Leak, Sadie Klonel, and Chanta Benjamin; uncle and cousin Norman Harris III and Kenneth Anthony Porter; and nieces Mia Young and Villa Patricia Paul. He will be remembered and loved by a host of other loving relatives and friends. Aric, we will love you always and miss you every day. Rest in power and peace. On calling hours will be Saturday, February 3, 2024, from 10:30AM-11:00AM, at Vaughn C. Greene WEST Chapel, 5151 Baltimore National Pike, Baltimore, MD. A Memorial Service to Celebrate his life will be begin at 11:00AM. The inurnment will take place at King Memorial Park, Baltimore on Saturday, February 3, 2024 at 1:00 PM.