Frederick Howard Smith, 80, passed peacefully on January 30, 2021. He was born in Balfour, N.C., to the late Howard Harris Smith and Ruby Gregory Smith on April 21, 1940. Later that year, the family moved to Spartanburg , S.C., where Fred spent his childhood.
Fred was a graduate of Spartanburg High, Wofford College, and USC in Columbia, S.C. After spending four years in ROTC, he served two years in the US Army in Stuttgart, Germany. When he returned to the USA, he worked in accounting for Liberty Life Insurance Company in Greenville, S.C. There he met and married the late Marlene Floyd in 1967.
He worked for Rexam Packaging Company in Georgia, North Carolina, and New Jersey until 1978. Then he moved his family to Winston Salem, N.C., where he worked for Archer Packaging Company, a part of Reynolds International.
Fred was preceded in death by his grandson, Ethan Smith. He is survived by two sons, Bradley Smith (Alicia) of Darien, Ga., and Ryan Smith (Amanda) of King of Prussia, Pa., two grandsons, Ryan and Kevin Smith of King of Prussia, Pa., one brother, Douglas Smith (Lynn) of Charlotte, N.C., two sisters, Beverly Smith of Wilkesboro, N.C., and Frances Weaver of Winston Salem, N.C., two nieces, one nephew, four great nephews, and one great niece.
Fred enjoyed music, especially jazz. He attended the Newport Jazz Festival twice and Merlefest for 12 years with his family. He loved golf and played many courses in Scotland and the USA with his friends, Jack Messick, Bill Garris, and the late Larry Feimster. He loved cooking and often baked a fresh coconut cake for family celebrations. He loved traveling to Europe, Canada, and the USA with his companion Mary Jane Leidecker.
Fred was known for his acerbic quick wit, stubbornness, and deep feeling, all traits that have passed down to descendants. In his last days, hearing his grandson roar like a dinosaur and call him "Pop-Pop" brought a smile to his face.
The family wishes to thank Fred's caregivers, Aleena, Amanda, and Katie, as well as the staff of Liberty Commons Hospice section for their kindnesses.
Fred's remains will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery. A memorial service will be held in late April, 2021. Any donations may be made to the charity of your choice.
Arrangements are by Bridges-Cameron Funeral Home.
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