Dr. Eric Howard Smith

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.