Clarence Fred Smith

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Clarence Frederick Smith passed away December 12th, due to complications of Pulmonary Fibrosis and Pneumonia. Fred was born in Pine Bluffs, Arkansas on March 12th 1948. His family moved when he was a toddler to Memphis, TN where he grew-up. He graduated from Westwood High School in 1966. After graduation, he landed a job at John Deere working in the Sales & Parts Distribution division where he meticulously ensured proper parts inventories were delivered to Implement dealers to ensure farmers had necessary parts to fix their equipment. He received many awards for his error-free work. Fred took early retirement in 2005 when the Parts Distribution center closed in Bloomington, Minnesota. Before he retired he married the love of his life Jane at the Chapel of Love in the Mall of America.  He embraced his retirement by doing the things he loved which included gardening, landscaping, fishing, and hosting numerous grill-outs serving his famous Memphis-style ribs. Fred was known throughout his Minnesota neighborhood as the “tomato man”. Fred was also known for his kindness, always looking for ways to make someone else’s day better. In addition, he had a zest for life that was contagious. He lived each day to the fullest knowing no one was promised tomorrow. Fred & his wife Jane traveled extensively taking many cruises and traveled to destinations such as Punta Cana, Costa Rica, Aruba and more. In 2019, Fred & Jane decided to say goodbye to Minnesota winters and relocated to a Dell Webb retirement community in the Central Valley of Northern California. As a sun worshiper Fred loved the sunny, hot weather and thoroughly enjoyed the desert climate. He built a stunning rock garden in the front yard as his legacy to Jane in the short time they resided in California. Fred was preceded in death by his parents Clarence Smith and Juanita Johnson. He was survived by wife Jane Smith, his Brother; Jimmy Smith (Ruth), Nieces; Melanie Suria (Roger) April Gill (Chris), Daughter; Bridgett Echols (Drew), Grandsons; Mason Echols and Maverick Echols, Brother-in-laws; Jim Sturges (Leann) and Steve Sturges and Sister-in-laws; Dianne Philpott and Peggy Hanfelt (Bob).

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