More detail on this person: Blakeslee Adams Smith, age 90, of Pensacola, FL passed away on May 18, 2021. Mr. Smith was born October 05, 1930 in Sebring, Florida to James Estabrooks Smith and Lola Albritton Smith. Blake joined the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve in 1948 and served in the Korean War, and was designated a Naval Aviator in 1953. After qualifying in Helicopters, he served in many Marine Corp squadrons, to include HMM-362, Archie's Angels, at the outset of the Viet Nam Conflict. Later, he was selected for HMX-1, the Presidential Helicopter Squadron. He was one of a select few pilots designated as a Presidential Command Pilot and flew the Marine One White Top helicopter, and served Presidents Kennedy, Johnson and Nixon, not to mention many world leaders. After serving for 29 years, Blake retired from the U.S. Marine Corps, following on at NAS Pensacola's Naval Aviation Depot's H-2 Engineering Dept. Blake had a love, a passion for gardening all his life, but especially in his retired years, caring for palms especially. As well, a passion for fishing, of which he and his bride also enjoyed with him. Maj. Smith's military awards include: Air Medal - 10; Combat Action Ribbon; Presidential Unit Citation; Navy Unit Citation; Merit Unit Citation; National Defense - 2; Korean Service Medal; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; Republic of Viet Nam Service medal - 5; Armed Forces Reserve medal; United Nations Service Korea - U.S.; Presidential Unit Citation - KP; VietNam Presidential Unit Citation - VP; Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross) - RG; Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Civil Actions) - RC Preceding Mr. Smith in death are his parents; his bride of 60 years, Martha Jan Stanton Smith; son, Gary Blakeslee Smith; sisters, Jacqueline S. Mitchell, Anne S. Fitch and Marjorie S. Williams. He is survived by his children, Cynthia Handlan Donovan, James E. "Tim" Smith, and daughters-in-law, Andre K. Smith and Mary F. Spitz; grandchildren, Danielle M. Handlan, Mark J. Handlan, Jr., Matthew S. Handlan and Katie Morgan, Sean P. Smith, and Erin K. Smith; great grandchildren, Blake S. Handlan and Harper V. Handlan; as well, many, many nieces and nephews! The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Thursday, May 27, 2021 at Bayview Fisher-Pou Chapel. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, May 28, 2021 at Holy Cross Episcopal Church followed by interment at Bayview Memorial Park.
This information was last updated 04/12/2022
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Date posted on this site: 10/13/2025
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