Timothy Clark Smail

Timothy Clark Smail, of West Chester, Pennsylvania, passed away on December 15, 2025, at the age of 78. Born on December 31, 1946, in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, he lived a life rooted in service, stewardship of the land, and dedication to family.

Tim is survived by his wife of 46 years, Myra Z. Smail; children Dan Myers (Gracienne) of Boca Raton, Florida, and Sharon Myers (Blaine Clapper) of State College, Pennsylvania; and grandchildren Alex and Ben Clapper and Harry and Laura Myers. Nieces: Gretchen L. Horn, Natalie D. Ford, and Jeanne Brown. Nephews: Carlton and Jeffrey Smail.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mildred (Millie) Estelle Smeltzer Smail and Harry Barr Bennett Smail; as well as his three siblings, Donald (Don) Harry Smail, Judith (Judy) Kay (Smail) Bayer, and Lynn Keith Smail.

Tim graduated from Leechburg High School in 1964 and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry from West Virginia University in 1968. His academic and professional paths reflected his deep connection to the natural world, a passion that would shape much of his life.

From 1970 to 1974, Tim served honorably in the United States Air Force. During his military service, he was stationed in England, an experience he often recalled with gratitude.

Tim had no biological children of his own, but in 1979, he officially became Daniel and Sharon’s stepfather, at a time when they needed it most. He was selfless in that role, and they credit Tim’s steadfast guidance and wisdom for helping them become who they are today.

A lifelong outdoorsman, Tim was an avid hunter who embraced the sport with skill and reverence. Whether he used rifles, muzzleloaders, or bows and arrows, he found joy and purpose in the woods. His commitment extended beyond personal enjoyment; he became actively involved with the Quality Deer Management Association, now known as the National Deer Association, where he promoted responsible wildlife practices. Please see the letter about Tim at the bottom of the obituary.

Tim was especially passionate about educating younger generations on the importance of conserving our natural resources, so much so that he and some like-minded friends and colleagues helped start the Wildlife Leadership Academy. For 20 years, the Wildlife Leadership Academy (WLA) has prepared young people to become ethical, informed conservation leaders through immersive, field-based education. You can learn more here

Tim’s grandchild, Alex Clapper, and his daughter, Sharon, had the opportunity to participate in White-tailed Deer Field Schools with him and loved seeing Tim in his element. If you’d like to donate to an organization in Tim’s name, WLA set up a scholarship at the family’s request. 

Another option is to donate to the National Deer Association in his name

A celebration of life to honor Tim will be held in May or June. If you’d like to be informed of the specifics, email the account below. Also, please send any stories, photos, or memories to the following email address:TimsCelebrationofLife2026@gmail.com We will be compiling these memories to share at Tim’s Celebration of Life.

May his memory be a blessing to those who knew him and an inspiration to all who share his love for nature and his dedication to service.

Dear Pennsylvania friends,

 We recently received the sad news that Tim Smail, one of our organization’s longest-serving and most dedicated volunteers, passed away unexpectedly on December 15.

Tim was one of the first volunteers I met when I started working for the Quality Deer Management Association in 2002. Tim founded the Pennsylvania QDMA State Chapter and started several QDMA Branches. He was a certified forester, wildlife biologist, Natural Resource Conservation Service Conservationist, and a rampant QDMA supporter.

 Tim had a forestry and wildlife consulting company and was involved in teaching, research, management, and consulting with universities, U.S. government agencies, and private enterprises for over 50 years. Tim won QDMA's coveted Volunteer of the Year award in 2003 and maintained that level of commitment to the organization for two decades. He was famous for his long educational programs on Quality Deer Management, jawbone aging, antler scoring, and habitat enhancement. His truck was always filled with antler and jawbone boards, antlerless identification posters, Quality Whitetails magazines, QDMA stickers, patches, and other educational materials and merchandise. Few can say they are as committed to the mission of sound deer and habitat management as Tim was. 

Many of our Pennsylvania members and volunteers knew Tim. Please join me in remembering a close friend of Pennsylvania deer hunters and in keeping Tim’s family in your heart this holiday season.

Kip Adams

Chief Conservation Officer

National Deer Association