Obituary of Peter Slocomb Smith

After living a full and energetic life, Peter Slocomb Smith, a 24-year resident of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 4, 2024, at the age of 84.

Peter was born September 8, 1939, in Malden, Massachusetts, to Ruth Slocomb Smith and Paul Chenoweth Smith. He had two younger brothers, Mark Chenoweth Smith, and David Bailey Smith.

Peter and Mark, just a year apart, were very close. They played on little league teams together and attended Camp William Lawrence in the New Hampshire Lakes Region every summer, an area they would visit every year throughout their lives.

His youngest brother David remembers Peter as a protector and someone he greatly admired. They would have many travel and golf adventures together.

Peter graduated from Melrose High School in 1957, where he was senior class president, Editor in Chief of the school paper, and captain of the baseball team. He was also a contributing sports editor to the local paper.

Peter attended Williams College in Williamstown, Massachusetts, where he studied history, was president of the Kappa Alpha fraternity, member of the Purple Key Society, vice president of the News Bureau, and furthered his baseball interests as captain and a centerfielder of the college’s baseball team.

After graduation Peter played baseball in the storied semi-professional Lower Cape League for two years before starting his career with McGraw Hill.  Never one to rest on his laurels, in 1990 Peter purchased and co-owned Image Printer in Louisville, KY where, with his partners, he grew a successful small business, employing hundreds and contributing to the local economy.  While in Louisville he also served as president of Oxmoor Country Club where he enjoyed golfing with his friends and family.

Always an athlete and an avid sports fan, Peter was a competitive golfer throughout his life and remained an enthusiastic Boston Red Socks and New England Patriots fan.

In 2000, he and his wife Maureen retired in Palmetto Hall on Hilton Head Island, where they forged meaningful friendships. Peter was on the Property Owner’s Association Board and the couple was active in the club’s social events, golf tournaments, and neighborhood dinner and bridge groups.

Most importantly, in 1983 Peter met and married his wife of 41 years, Maureen P. Smith.  They forged a strong marriage and beautifully blended two families into one.  Peter is survived by his brother David, his wife Maureen and his two children Tracey Ackerman and Randall Smith; three stepchildren, Kimberly Robbins, Teresa Messineo and Trey Faulkner, and their spouses Anne Smith, Arthur Messineo and Kathleen Faulkner.  A testament to their love of family, all five children and their spouses remain close to this day.  Also surviving are 12 grandchildren: Michael Ackerman, Samuel Ackerman, Rachel Ackerman, Adam Smith, Ryan Smith, Paul Smith, Meagan Ash, Evan Robbins, Brianne Robbins, Morgan Messineo Wiacek, AJ Messineo, Michael Messineo, and one great-granddaughter, Kynlee Ash.

Peter was preceded in death by his brother Mark (2019).

Arrangements are being made by Island Funeral Home in Hilton Head Island and a service will be held at Church of the Cross in Bluffton, South Carolina, on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at 11 a.m. A reception for friends and family members will be held off-site after the ceremony.

A man of great diplomacy, dignity and inspiration, Peter was loved and appreciated by many. He will be missed.

In lieu of flowers please direct donations to Memory Matters of Hilton Head Island, SC.  https://www.mymemorymatters.org/donate