George Frederick Smith, age 94, passed away peacefully Monday, March 16 at Willow Valley Communities where he had resided for 20 years. He was the beloved husband of Doris Drum Smith for over 68 years.
Born in Sunbury, PA, Fred was the son of the late William K. Smith and Jennie Hoff Smith. After graduation from Sunbury High School in 1943, he entered the Navy V-12 program at Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, N.J, graduating in 1946 with a degree in mechanical engineering. He was commissioned as an Ensign USNR and served aboard the USS Denver and later the USS Fogg until July 1947, ending his active duty. Later he worked for Ebasco Services for five years. He was then commissioned as a Lt. j.g. and recalled to active duty in the U.S. Navy, serving another five years aboard the Edward H. Allen DE531 as a gunnery officer during the Korean War.
In 1951 he married Doris Drum, a teacher at Sunbury High School. After returning from active duty, Fred and Doris moved to Lancaster and Fred worked at Armstrong World Industries as a project engineer, and later moved on to Senior Staff Engineer in the Central Engineering Department. He retired after 36 years with Armstrong.
A member of First United Methodist Church since 1954, he served on various committees and boards and on the usher crew for 46 years.
Fred was a member of the Mu chapter of Chi Phi Fraternity; the Lincoln Chapter of the PA Society of Professional Engineers; the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers; Chairman of Boy Scout Troop 99; a member of the Manheim Township Code Compliance Committee; and the Lancaster Chapter of the Military Officers Association. He was also a member of Lodge #22, F&A Masons, Sunbury PA. Fred was an excellent bowler and bowled for many years with the Armstrong league and then with the league at Willow Valley until just two years ago.
Fred volunteered at Lancaster Regional Hospital for 20 years and at the Glen after moving to the Willow Valley retirement community.
Dear to his heart was his service for 16 years as coordinator of Math Counts, sponsored by the National Society of Professional Engineers. In 2011 he was honored by the Lancaster Chapter of PSPE with its Lifetime Achievement Award.
Fred and Doris have four children, son Alan (Emma), of Granby, CT, Diane Gooley (Wayne), of Beavercreek, OH, Leslie High (Eric), of Mount Joy, PA, and Wendy Simpson (Edward) of Kutztown, PA. They have seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Surviving is his twin sister, Helen Sanders, of Chapin, South Carolina, and several nieces and nephews. Fred is predeceased by four of his siblings, Catherine Driver, William K. Smith, Ruth Johnston, and Jane Jones.
There will be a graveside service for family only and a memorial service scheduled at a future date.
In lieu of flowers, please send contributions in Fred’s memory to: Hospice and Community Care, 685 Good Drive, PO Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125 or Team Member Education Fund, Willow Valley Communities, Lakes Campus, 300 Willow Valley Lakes Drive, Willow Street, PA 17584. To leave an online condolence, please visit: www.DeBordSnyder.com
Ann Abbey
Al, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of this amazing dad. Now I know where you get your engineering gene from. Fill your heart with all your wonderful memories of him. Then he’ll stay with you forever.
Alan Smith
Ann, thank you so much for your kind thoughts. As you get older you realize how many of your father’s traits you unconsciously pick up.
All the best,
Al
Anita Lewis
Doris and family I am so sorry about Fred’s death, I know it has been a very sad time for the family. I pray that you will feel God’s comfort and realize that you are surrounded by his love and the love and caring of your friends.
Anita Lewis
I am so sorry to hear of Fred’s passing. I pray that you will feel God’s comfort and are surrounded by his love and the love of your caring friends.
DeBord-Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
The remaining active (a monthly luncheon) members of the class of ’43 send condolences on the loss of our classmate. What an outstanding career/life he led! Surely he ranks as one of the most successful of our group. Thanks for the great obit in today’s Daily Item.
Bob Fasold, Bobbi Feger, Bob Geise, Bud Neff and Virginia Strohecker Taylor.
Jim Cluck
Doris and Family, I always enjoyed working with Fred and visiting with you at Willow Valley. Missed our meetings since my retirement from WV … already 5 years ago. Our (Linda & Jim) sincere sympathy in your loss.
Alan Smith
Jim,
Thanks so much for your thoughts. I always appreciated Dad introducing me to a fellow EE and meeting you.
Congratulations on your retirement.
Alan
Gene Haggerty
Doris and Family,
I met Fred when I joined the Engineering Dept, then known as the Power Section of Armstrong Central Engineering. That was 60 years ago. There were about 30 of us engineers in the same open office. Art Bassett was the manager and VJ Green was his supervisor. I still remember his friendliness and his smile, although I left for another company 4 years later. What a remarkable life and career. I extend my heartfelt symphony.
Doug & Jackie Perseghetti
Diane, Doug & I are so sorry for the loss of your beloved father. He seemed like quite a remarkable man, and I know his absence will leave a hole in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him. Prayers for you and the whole family as you grieve, reminisce, and cherish memories. It is difficult to lose a loved one. I’m so thankful that for all those who know the Lord, we do not grieve without hope. May God’s peace and presence comfort you all.
Azlynn Hill
Fred was a special resident to me at Willow Valley. He was a happy man, full of smiles, jokes, and winks. Condolences to Doris and their family. You are missed, but your time was grand. Sending my love during a difficult transition.
Jim and Romaine Erb
Dear Doris,
Our condolences to you and your family.
We will always remember Fred’s kind smiles
and gracious manner.
Sincerely, Jim and Romaine Erb
George Dietz
Doris: I have only good memories of Fred. He was a great guy and I enjoyed traveling with him for Armstrong and playing tennis.
We shared lots of stories.
I’m very sorry for your loss.
George
Annette Smith
Doris, Alan and family, I am sorry for your loss. Uncle Fred was a wonderful, sweet man. He lived a long, full life and brought smiles to many people. Alison and I send our condolences. Annette