Mark Anthony Smith, the son of the late Jimmie Lou Smith, was born April 4, 1962, in Albany Georgia and is the fifth born of seven children – 5 brothers and 2 sisters.  At an early age, Mark joined Bethel AME Church in Albany. In his life's journey, he was a loving son, father, brother, friend.  He received his high school diploma from Monroe High School in 1980. During his high school years, Mark was well known for his academic achievements and athletic ability as a football player.

Mark A. Smith obtained the rank of Petty Officer First Class as an Electronic Technician in the United States Navy. This is an exceptional task and the fact that he was able to accomplish it in the relatively short time, served as a testament to his intellect and his dedication. Mark was able to become a 1 ^st Class Petty Officer in nearly half the time required by most.  In reference, only the top 5% of all the people enlisted in the military have the intellect required for becoming an Electronic Technician and only 1% have the capacity to become a reactor operator. You can only imagine how many of those 1% were young black men.

Petty Officer Smith spent most of his active military time aboard the USS Enterprise which was the only ship ever built powered by 8 nuclear reactors. Mark was charged with maintaining and safely operating those 8 nuclear reactors as to prevent catastrophic failures that could endanger the crew or the ship. Mark spent his final time in the service aboard a vessel that supported all of the ships in the task force, including aircraft carriers while they were on deployment.

After a brilliant career in the US Navy, Mark chose to pursue other opportunities in the private sector. He was honorably discharged from the Navy after he had achieved all the goals he wanted to pursue while serving. Mark continued his career as an engineer with Eli Lilly Pharmaceuticals and then Siemen Corporation.

Mark was married to Dimetruss Bradley-Smith on July 27, 1985 and they were blessed with two beautiful children, Mark Anthony Smith II and Shaniqua Lashell Smith. Together they passed great core values on to their children and encouraged them to be loving, caring, independent and to always put God first. He enjoyed spending time with his granddaughter, McKinley Nicole Smith, and loved her dearly.  Although, he did not have the pleasure of meeting his second grandchild, arriving February 2022, he was excited about welcoming a new member to the Smith Family.

Mark leaves to celebrate his life and memories: His daughter: Shaniqua Lashell Smith, his son: Mark Anthony Smith II, Daughter-in-law: Shawndria Smith, Granddaughter: McKinley Smith, Mother of his children: Dimetruss Smith, Brothers – Stevie Smith (Nikita), Dallis Smith (Kimberly), Dennis Smith (Barbara), Sister: Lawana Wise and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, extended relatives and friends.

Mark entered his eternal rest on August 29, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia.  He was preceded in death by his mother- Jimmie Lou Smith, his brother – Felton Smith, his sister – Bunice Madyum, and his Aunt – Christine Shelton Dorsey.