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Smith W. Purdum II, successful newspaperman

November 19, 2020

Smith W. Purdum II, 75, passed away unexpectedly in his home Friday, Nov. 6, 2020. 

A native of Washington, D.C., and lifelong Washington sports fan, Smith grew up spending his summers with family in Ocean City, Md. He attended the Bullis School in Potomac, Md., and later graduated from The George Washington University after enlisting and serving four years with the U.S. Navy. 

Smith enjoyed an extremely successful and remarkable career in the newspaper industry.  He began his career at The Washington Post and was selected to become advertising director at the newly acquired Trenton Times. Smith would later hold positions as advertising/marketing director at The Pittsburgh Press/Post Gazette, The Dallas Times Herald and The Houston Post.  

Smith is survived by his wife Patricia; three sons, Terrence Purdum of Laurel, Md., Ryan Purdum of Joppa, Md., and Smith Purdum of Ocean View; and his daughter, Sarah (Purdum) Horta of Pasadena, Md. 

A private ceremony celebrating Smith's life will be held by the family.

 

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