Fred A. Smith

Fred A. Smith went home to be with our LORD on Saturday, December 7th.  He was born in Asheville, NC on May 21,1940 to Eloise Belton and Henry James (Hump) Smith. He attended Hill Street School and Stephens-Lee High School, where he started his successful high school football career. "The Stephens-Lee Bears" won the Negro Crown title, where Fred was a fullback and went on to receive a full scholarship to Shaw University.

In September of 1966 Fred moved to Evanston, IL., and was later joined by his wife Wilma Burgin Smith. In 1969 he began working for the City of Evanston - Sanitation Dept. Fred retired from the city as a supervisor in 1998. While working for the city, in 1974 he started his own janitorial service with his two kids Craig and Yvette, and called it Smith Maintenance, where he had the pleasure of working full time with his wife.

In 2013 Fred had brain surgery which prevented him from working, and bound him to a wheelchair. He focused on the activities of his grandchildren such as sports, track and volleyball.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers Henry James Smith and Walter Smith.

Mr. Fred A. Smith is survived by his wife Wilma, their three children, Craig and Rodric Smith, and Monica "Yvette" Daniels and grandchildren, in North Carolina daughters Vanessa Clayton, Tijuna Clayton Green, sons Fred Clayton, Ronald, Eric, Derrick and Steve Eddings, two sisters Bessie Lewis and Elaine Peterson, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews,  other relatives and friends.

Fred will truly be missed by family, friends, neighbors, co-workers from the City of Evanston, and football staff from ETHS.  His cheerfulness and stories brought smiles to many and touched many hearts.

Funeral Services for Mr. Smith will be held Saturday December 21st at 11:00 am at Hill Street Baptist Church (135 Hill Street  Asheville, NC). Burial will immediately follow the service at Sunset Cemetery.

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