Bruce Smith

Bruce Smith, 75, of Manchester, MD, passed away on Sunday, July 6, 2025, at his home in Manchester, MD.  Born on September 18, 1949, in Baltimore, MD, he was the son of the late Robert Henry Smith and Elizabeth Cowan Smith.  He was the beloved husband of 36 years to Sandra Miller-Smith.

Bruce epitomized the definition of "a man for all seasons," a man who was versatile, adaptable and thrived in various situations and roles, always maintaining integrity and principles regardless of the circumstances and acting with grace and following his conscience choosing the honorable path even when others did not.

Even though he had many careers over his 75 years, and started a number of successful businesses, his last career as a volunteer with both the Manchester Volunteer Fire Department and the Westminster Volunteer Fire Department meant the most to him. He considered the fire fighters his brothers (and sisters) and loved them as his family. He spent the last two years of his life enjoying doing what not many people get to do and that is making a difference in other people's lives.

Being a volunteer fire fighter was very special to him. He said attaining his Emergency Medical Responder designation was the highest honor he had ever received.  He was very proud of that designation.  And passing the Fire 1 training was an accomplishment he never thought he'd attain. He now has the distinction of being the oldest Fire 1 graduate in Carroll County.

His accomplishments during his business life included the creation of the Certified Financial Planning business RBS & Associates, providing wealth management services to various industries including the music industry and the green industry.

His love of music led him to a career as a road musician and playing back up Bass for Rod Stewart and Steppenwolf and becoming a singer, songwriter, recording artist, music producer & publisher, creating the Dejamuse Media Network, and hosting the internet radio talk show "Music is My Business,"

In addition to his love of music, he was an avid reader of history of all types – looking to the past to determine the future. He was a wealth of knowledge.

While living on the Eastern Shore of Maryland he established Crab Alley Kennels becoming a renown AKC Field Trial trainer of hunting and retriever dogs, many of which achieved championship status wining ribbons in the AKC Field Trial Competition world. His dog, Ally is an AKC Field Trial Champion, winning 9 ribbons during her "professional" career.

After moving to Manchester in 2009, he became an integral part of the Dug Hill Rod & Gun Club and assisted in its revival. Becoming part of the community was important to Bruce, and he ran for Town Council. Although unsuccessful, he continued to serve on committees for the benefit of future town growth. He also became a School Bus driver with F & S Transportation and always commented on how much he enjoyed the kids. He was also involved with USA Boxing Junior Olympics as a boxing judge.

His interest in the regulations of the ever-changing security guard industry led him to create the required security guard licensing course "Security Through Balance" and provided training as an adjunct professor with Carroll Community College.

He was the definition of The Renaissance Man – one of boundless curiosity, fearless exploration, and the relentless pursuit of mastery across disciplines. He was an outstandingly versatile, well-rounded person and a very clever man who was good at many different things.

He is survived by his loving wife, Sandra, and many dear friends.

Bruce was predeceased by his son: Samuel Armstrong Smith, who passed away in 2005.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 26, from 12 - 2 pm, at the Manchester VFD Activities Building, 3297 York Street, Manchester, MD.

If desired, donations in Bruce's name may be offered to the Manchester Volunteer Fire Company, PO Box 416, Manchester, MD 21102, or to the Westminster Volunteer Fire Department, 28 John Street, Westminster, MD 21157.

Arrangements are assisted by the ECKHARDT FUNERAL CHAPEL, P.A., Manchester, MD.