More detail on this person: SMITH Elijah Hoke
Smith, Jr., 68, passed away in a helicopter
accident in Clay County on December 26, 2011.
Hoke was born in Washington, Georgia on June 10,
1943, and was raised in Macon, Georgia. At age 17
he enrolled at Mercer University where he obtained
his bachelors degree. He served his country with
distinction during two tours in Vietnam and
returned a decorated veteran, having earned the
Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star and Purple
Heart. Upon his honorable discharge from the
military, Hoke earned a Masters of Business
Administration from the prestigious University of
Chicago. Hoke went on to leadership roles in the
business community, first in Chicago and then in
Jacksonville where he founded and took to initial
public offering General Parcel Service, a ground
transportation company. In 1997 Hoke founded SK
Logistics, later SK Jets, with one aircraft. SK
Jets relocated to the St. Augustine Airport and
grew to 40 employees and a fleet of seven jets and
two helicopters. Hoke moved his family to the
Palencia community in St. Johns County in 2004.
He served as Chairman of the Marshall Creek
Community Development District, and was an active
parishioner and member of the finance committee of
Cathedral Parish in St. Augustine. Hoke was a
mans man; a letterman athlete in high school,
brave in battle, fair and focused in business, and
dedicated to his family. Hoke is survived by his
wife of 50 years, Gayle; son, Derrick Smith of
Green Cove Springs and his wife Denise;
granddaughter Chloe Smith Lopez and her mother
Isabelle Lopez of St. Augustine. A Funeral mass
will be celebrated 10:00 AM Saturday at
Cathedral-Basilica of St. Augustine, Rev. Fr. Tom
Willis, Pastor officiating followed by committal
services in San Lorenzo Cemetery. A prayer service
will be held 6:00 PM Friday at Craig Funeral Home
in St. Augustine the family will received friends
immediately following the prayer service until
8:00 PM at Craig Funeral Home. Those wishing
may make a contribution in Hoke's memory to
Catholic Charities P.O. Box 543 St. Augustine, FL
32085 Craig Funeral Home Crematory Memorial
Park www.craigfuneralhome.com is in charge of the
arrangements Please Sign the Guestbook @
Jacksonville.com
Published in the Florida Times-Union on December
30, 2011
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/timesunion/obitua
ry.aspx?n=elijah-hoke-smith&pid=155252197
This information was last updated 05/18/2016
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