We are saddened to learn of the passing of Compatriot Dr. Eric Smith of Lynchburg, VA, a renowned entomologist (scientific study of insects) on April 3, 2024.
Dr. Eric Smith – CCSAR Member
Eric became a member of the SAR and Cincinnati Chapter on June, 11 1982 and was one of the chapter’s longest time current active members, over 40 years.
He enrolled in the Ohio Society’s Lifetime Membership program some years ago and was converted to the National Life Member program last year.
We are honored and grateful for his continued membership in our organization.
We were contacted by his wife Deborah Blanchard in early March and informed that he was doing poorly but resting comfortable. Our thoughts, prayers and wishes for the healing of hearts for Deborah, family, and friends.
Eric’s obituary can be seen by clicking the link below:
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/newsadvance/name/eric-smith-obituary?id=54840436
Eric Smith Obituary
Dr. Eric Howard Smith, passionate Entomologist, passed away Wednesday, April 3, 2024, peacefully in his home. He was the son of Pauline Morrison Smith, and Edwin Milton Smith, of Cincinnati, Ohio. Beloved Husband, Uncle, and Brother-in-Law. He was surrounded with much love by his wife of 34 years, Deborah Blanchard, as well as supportive caregivers from Home Instead and Centra Hospice. Eric leaves behind many people who will miss his uniqueness, including his special niece, Danielle Butler, her Husband, Jonathan Butler, his Great-Nephew and best buddy, Braxton Butler, Sister-in-Law, Jamie Waters, nephew, Chad Moore, “Pal” Russell Anderson, and “Buddy” Donna Roberson.
Dr. Eric H. Smith, Ph.D. was born on July 4, 1943, with a fascination for insects and nature by the age of just four, when he plucked a bumble bee from the air to get acquainted. His numerous contributions to the study of insects and the pest management industry are too many to list in their entirety here, but his service was known locally and nationally. Eric was Director of Technical Services with Dodson Pest Control for most of his professional career. He retired from Dodson in 2014, but remained a dedicated Educator, Trainer, and Consultant for many years thereafter.
Eric was especially devoted to sharing knowledge and the growth of pest management, as exemplified by authoring two editions of National Pest Management Association’s Field Guide to Structural Pests, which is known to some in the industry as “the blue book.” Among his many awards and recognitions are Virginia Pest Management Stewardship Award, a term as President of the Phi Chi Omega, which was established initially by Entomologists at Purdue University and now supporting scholarships for Entomology students, Emeritus status within The Entomologist Society of America, and the first-issued Crown Award in 2006 for technical excellence while Technical Director at Dodson Pest Control in Lynchburg, Virginia, presented by P.C.T. and Syngenta.
On a final personal note, Eric deeply enjoyed traveling and having adventures within the U.S. and abroad with his wife, Deborah, who believed as he did. Do not wait until you are too old to travel and enjoy the experience. Have adventures and delight in the natural world’s diversity!
Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family. To send condolences, please visit tharpfuneralhome.com.
