Obituary of Fredrick Ralph Smith

Fredrick Ralph Smith, age 80, of Fort Myers, passed away December 13, 2016 in Fort Myers. He was born August 23, 1936 in Grafton, OH, to the late Joseph C. Smith and Bessie (Gray) Smith. He grew up in Elyria, Ohio and graduated from Elyria Catholic High School in 1954. Fred moved to Fort Myers in 1977 to escape the snowy winters and establish his successful family business that continues today, Fred's Award World. Your continued patronage is appreciated. Fred was active in the Fort Myers Community serving for decades in various organizations including: Rotary Club of East Fort Myers since 1978 He received The Paul Harris Fellowship along with recognition for 33 years of perfect attendance. Southwest Florida & Lee County Fair Board and received Hall of Fame Award for his many years of dedicated service, devotion, and commitment. Fred had an unwavering Faith in God and the Catholic Church. He was a Eucharistic minister at Saint Vincent DePaul and very active in the church. He was active in the Knights of Columbus and was awarded an honorary lifetime membership. Fred had a love for life and a sense of humor that most were exposed to and some understood. Fred loved all children and the energy they shared. He worked as Santa's helper for more than 35 years bringing joy to young and old alike. Fred enjoyed the Gulf Coast Symphony and its education programs. He was a long-time season subscriber. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years: Betty Lou Smith, daughter: Theresa Layman (Scott), son: Walter Smith (Sheila), grandchildren: Alyssa Smith and Allison Smith, brother: Joseph "Chuck" Smith, sister: Marianna Pihlblad (Tom), Honorary Grandfather to Britnie Macho, Jasmin Macho and Bryce Ostrander. He loved these kids like they were his own and they will always remember his as "Grandpa". He was preceded in death by his brother, Edward Thomas Smith. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, December 19, 2016 at 9:00 am at Saint Vincent De Paul Catholic Church, Fort Myers. Visitation will be Sunday from 1-3 p.m. at Akin-Davis Funeral Home, Fort Myers, FL. In lieu of flowers the family asks you donate in Fred's honor to one of the following charities: Prosthetic Limbs for Children sponsored by Fort Myers Inner Wheel Club. Contributions or requests for information to: Fort Myers Inner Wheel Foundation, 2971 Styles Road, Alva, FL 33920. (www.innerwheelusa.com) Music Works! Program for kid's musical education sponsored by the Gulf Coast Symphony. To donate call the Symphony office at 239-277-1700, or send donation to Gulf Coast Symphony/MusicWorks! Program PO Box 60878 Fort Myers, FL 33906.