Smith graduated from the University of Washington, and then served in the United States Air Force.

Later, Smith created the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum in McMinnville, home of the Spruce Goose.

His mother worked in a candy factory and cleaned houses while Smith delivered newspapers and sold coal he found along local railroad tracks.

After completing his training, Smith was assigned to support the United States Army's 82nd Airborne Division.

[1][3][5] While he was serving in the Air Force, Smith roomed with Slade Gorton, a future United States Senator.

[4] After leaving the Air Force, Smith flew helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft commercially for several years.

The company provided helicopters for spraying crops, fighting wildfires, logging, cargo transport, delivering air ambulance services, construction work, energy exploration tasks, disaster relief, and other commercial activities.

[2][4][6][7] Evergreen Helicopters was the first of seven interrelated companies Smith founded and ran from his headquarters in McMinnville.

[5] Smith entered the airline business in 1975 when he purchased Johnson Flying Services of Missoula, Montana.

That facility was previously used to support Central Intelligence Agency operations in southeast Asia.

Evergreen supported United Nations peacekeeping missions in 30 countries and conducted drug eradication operations in Mexico and South America.

[4] In 1991, Smith opened the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum in McMinnville to showcase his vintage aircraft collection.

[4][5] In 1992, Smith agreed to buy the Spruce Goose from the Aero Club of Southern California.

[9] Eventually, the complex relationships between Smith's various companies prompted an investigation by the Oregon Department of Justice.

On December 6, a memorial service for Smith was held at the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum.