Harlan Joe Smith's Obituary
Joe Smith was born and raised in Nebraska where he earned his Pharmacy Degree at the University of Nebraska and was a leader in his fraternity, Delta Upsilon. After four years of service in the U.S. Air Force he moved to Northern Virginia, worked for chain pharmacies and opened his Medicine Shoppe as an entrepreneur, which he operated for over thirty years. He was recognized as Business Person of the Year and later as Business of the Year in Falls Church, Virginia.
During his career, he served as President of Virginia Pharmacist Association, the National Community Pharmacy Association, and was the charter president of the National Academy of Pharmacy. Among many awards, he was named a Distinguished Alumnus of the University of Nebraska in 2003. He served as president of his local Rotary Club and is a Paul Harris Fellow.
Selected for his advice and input, Joe served on several national-level organizations including the Scope of Pharmacy, Panel on Educational Outcomes, National Symposium on Oral Counseling, and the advisory board on several pharmaceutical companies. He was published in pharmacy journals and appeared on television presenting views on issues facing community pharmacy and treatment of disease. He hosted FDA Commissioner Kessler in his pharmacy to educate him about computerization and patient information. During the Clinton Health Care Reform efforts, he represented pharmacy at the White House several times and introduced Vice President Gore at a White House press briefing.
He was an early member of the Washington, DC chapter of Black Tie and transferred his membership to Rehoboth Beach - Lewes when he retired to this active, fun, small, beach resort and retirement community. Joe later became the 4th chapter president, succeeding George Coscia who built a great chapter in the preceding 10 years.
Joe is survived by his partner, Dusty Abshire, his son, Justin Smith, sisters Ann Stockert and Loreli Berkeley, and former wife Janie Smith, with whom he remained close.
Per his wishes, there will be no formal funeral service. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in his honor to:
Food Bank of Delaware
World Central Kitchen
Clear Space Theatre Company of Rehoboth Beach.
Please sign the tribute wall at this site.
What’s your fondest memory of Harlan?
What’s a lesson you learned from Harlan?
Share a story where Harlan's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Harlan you’ll never forget.
How did Harlan make you smile?