Fred DeWitt Smith's Obituary
Fred D. Smith, 90, resident of Germantown, passed away on November 27, 2011. Born August 12, 1921 to Florence and P. C. Smith in Lee County, MS. Fred served his country during World War II, retiring as a major in 1962. He served in the 2nd Armored Division (Hell on Wheels) and the 1st Infantry Division (Big Red One). In addition to a battalion Presidential Unit Citation presented by President Truman and awards from the French and Belgium Governments, he was the recipient of numerous military awards including two Bronze stars, three Army Commendation Medals, Good Conduct Medal, Expert Marksmanship Badge, seven Major Battle Stars, European, African, Middle Eastern Campaign, and an American Defense Service Medal. After his retirement from the Army he taught ROTC in the Memphis City and Shelby County School systems. He is survived by his wife, Jackie, of 61 years; his four children, Donna Hopkins (Les) of Bolivar, MO, Susan Smith of Germantown, Fred D. Smith, Jr. (Glenda) of Memphis and Cindy McGhee (Mike) of Collierville; five grandchildren: Randy, Jason and Craig Moody, Alison Smith, and Jake McGhee; and three great-grandchildren, Haydn and Julian Moody, and Liam McGhee. He also leaves three sisters: Lula Holloway of Gatlinburug, Ruth Jackson and Faye Morton of Tupelo. He was a member of Germantown United Methodist Church. The family would like to thank his wonderful team of caregivers from The Veterans Administration, especially, L.D. Burch and Dr. Gail Bernston for the exceptional care and attention they devoted to him throughout the years. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the American Cancer Society. Visitation will be held from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, November 30 at Memorial Park Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, December 1 at Germantown United Methodist Church. Interment will follow in West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery with full military honors.
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