Fred Dean Smith

Fred Dean Smith, 79, of Sanford passed away on November 30, 2025.

Memorial Graveside services will be held at 3:00 pm Sunday (12/7/2025) at Calvary Church cemetery with Rev. Curtis Norris officiating.

Fred was a huge, long-time Clemson Tiger fan burning orange through and through. He was born in Richland Co, SC to Fred Louis Smith and Kathleen Gates Smith, He later moved to N.C. where he set up permanent roots and married Tina Marie Wood, formerly of Norfolk, VA, who preceded him in death along with a daughter Brittany Smith.

Fred worked most of his life as an Instrument Fitter for several Construction Companies and even Beacon Construction for the Harris Nuclear Plant where he received a $200 savings bond as a token of appreciation for his support and dedication. Fred also enjoyed the simple life in his time off which included fishing, drinking, and singing (way out of tune) to old-time country music.

He is survived by children Lisa Smith, Billy Smith (Cynthia), Stephanie Smith (Matthew Pritt), and stepdaughter Jessica Cooper; and grandchildren Taylor Smith, Kylie Smith, Dalton Smith, Tyler Smith, Hayden Smith, Lucas Thomas, Levi Hudson, Ethan Hudson, Tristan Smith, Aubrey Pritt, Nathan Cooper, and Courtney Cooper.