Smith's second marriage in 1949 to Ferol Yvonne Stratton produced two girls, Kim and Kathlin Alexandra.
After working a year for newspapers, Smith moved to New York City in 1937 and established his first studio there.
He was an instructor at the Grand Central School of Art (1942–43) before joining the Office of Strategic Services in China in 1944 and 1945.
He executed an historical mural for the State of Maryland in 1968; illustrated United States postage stamps on historical subjects; authored a book about the sculptor Gerd Utescher; and produced illustrations for American magazines.
From 1968 to 1973, he served a vice president on the board of directors of Pearl Buck's Welcome House.