Fred Ray Smith, 85, of Elkton, MD passed away on Saturday, June 1, 2024. Born in Hurley, VA on August 15, 1938, he was the son of the late William and Sarah Childress Smith.

Mr. Smith was a proud veteran having served in the U.S. Army from 1956-1959 during the post Korean War era. A skilled carpenter, he found satisfaction in working with his hands and retired from the commercial construction industry after many years. Mr. Smith had been a member of the Union Local #626 New Castle, a life member of the Elkton VFW, and he enjoyed attending services at Elkton Nazarene Church. He was an avid fan of NASCAR, football, and baseball, with a special passion for the Baltimore Orioles. An adventurer at heart, he had traveled to Florida, Austria, and Italy. However, it was his family that he held most dear. The birth of his four daughters brought him immense joy and pride, a testament to the love and care he had for his family. Buttermilk cornbread was his favorite, a simple pleasure that brought him comfort. And he found his greatest peace in the quiet moments at the cabin in the mountains, surrounded by nature and tranquility.

Survivors include his loving wife of 63 years, Dorothy Van Den Heuvel Smith; daughters, Desiree Bowman (Steve), Rising Sun, MD, Saradawn Miller, Bear, DE, and Felicia Brown, Elkton, MD; grandchildren, Steven Bowman, Whitney Wozniak, Loretta Bowman, Miranda Hickey (Fondly called Squeaker by her Pop-Pop), Morgan Smith, Adrian Watkins, and Adam Watkins; great-grandchildren, Sadie, Maja, Steven, Ellie, Jakob, Lincoln, Owen, and Peyton; and sister, Juanita Owens, Elkton, MD.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Deirdre Smith; son-in-law, Jay Miller; 3 brothers; and 7 sisters.

Visitation will be held from 5 PM – 7 PM, Wednesday, June 5, 2024 at Hicks Home for Funerals, 103 W. Stockton Street, Elkton, MD 21921. Funeral service with Military Honors will be held 10 AM, Thursday, June 6, 2024 at Hicks Home for Funerals. Interment will be in Boulden Chapel Cemetery, 377 Nottingham Road, Elkton, MD 21921.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hicks Home for Funerals, P.A. at the above address to help defray funeral expenses.