Fred T. Smith, passed away on February 29, 2024, at the age of 87. Born on April 13, 1936, in Hope, Arkansas, Fred’s life was defined by his unwavering faith, dedication to his loved ones, and a remarkable career in the grocery industry. His final days were spent surrounded by his family in Wentworth Place, Magnolia, Arkansas.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Albert Almer and Cora (England) Smith; grandson, Derek “Bundy” Smith; son-in-law, David Ehrhardt; special nephew, Carl Smith; siblings, Elmer, Howard, James, Rufus, Tommy, Charlie, and Alfred Ray Smith, Mildred Middlebrooks, and Virginia Mendenhall.

Fred is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Mary A. Jackson Smith of Magnolia; children, Tammy (Jerry) Caskey of Hot Springs Village, Penny Ehrhardt of Hope, Terry (Sharon) Smith of Magnolia, and Julia (Darren) Almand of Texarkana; grandchildren, Daniel (Erica) Collier of Stamps, Melissa Ehrhardt of Titusville, FL, Amy Smith of Magnolia, Jerred (Meghan) Caskey of Burleson, TX, C.T. (Tara) Almand of Waldo, Kaci (Travis) Myers of McNeil, Clint (Amanda) Almand of Texarkana, Mary C. (Jeremy) Langley of Emerson, and Cassie (Justin) Lowe of Magnolia; granddaughter-in-law, Laura Caskey; twenty four great grandchildren; thirteen great-great grandchildren; sisters, Geneva Bowlin of Conway and Marie Harris of Texarkana, TX; special granddaughter, Crystal Brock of Emerson; lifelong special friend, Pat Simmons; special friends, Keisha McKinney of Waldo and Marie Marquez of Hope; a numerous nephews, nieces, extended family and friends.

Fred’s professional journey was as notable as his personal one. He dedicated many years of service to Kroger’s Corporation, where he honed his skills and passion for the grocery business. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to become President of Smitty’s, Inc., a testament to his hard work and dedication. His tenure with Affiliated Foods, Inc., from 1985 to 2020, was marked by his exceptional leadership and culminated in him being honored as Grocer of the Year, a distinction that spoke volumes of his commitment to excellence in his field.

Fred was deeply involved in his community and his faith. A devout member of the College View Baptist Church, he served as an ordained Deacon from 1971 until his passing in 2024. His service to the church was a reflection of his faith-filled life, always striving to be a living example of the values he held dear. Fred’s commitment to spiritual education and leadership was further demonstrated through his role on the Board of Directors of Central Baptist College from 1996 to 2000.

Fred was also a proud member of The Gideons, an organization dedicated to distributing Bibles and spreading the Christian faith worldwide. His involvement was not merely as a participant but as a passionate advocate for the power of faith to transform lives.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. at the College View Baptist Church with Dr. Jeremy Langley and Bro. Kenneth Bobo officiating. Burial will follow at the Magnolia Memorial Park Cemetery with Bro. Paul Bullock officiating under the direction of Lewis Funeral Home, Inc. in Magnolia. Visitation will be Monday, March 4 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Pallbearers will be Daniel Collier, Jerred Caskey, C.T. Almand, Clint Almand, Travis Myers, and Justin Lowe. Honorary pallbearers Jimmy Yates, Donald Bradfield, Dennis Minor, Donald Perry, Scott Bennett, and Delmer Tripp.

Memorials may be made to the College View Baptist Church, 2121 N. Washington, Magnolia, AR 71753 or Dravet Syndrome Foundation (Grace Jo Caskey), Po Box 3028, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034, www.dravetfoundation.org