Fred Smith, Jr.

     God called, and Fred Smith Jr. answered on Sunday, August 10, 2025 at the tender age of 81 years old.

     Fred Smith Jr. was born on November 30, 1943, in Kansas City, Kansas, as the first child of five to Fred and Elwanda Smith, who both preceded him in making their way to their heavenly father.

     Fred grew up in Wyandotte County, Kansas City, Kansas, and graduated from Rosedale High School in 1961. He married Velma J. White in 1964 (she recently preceded him in death). They were happily married for over 61 years and from that union were born two children, Fred (aka Pete) Smith IV (spouse, Pamela) and Kimberly Gordon.  Fred blessed Fred Smith with three grandchildren: Latricia Carter and Aaron Carter, and Rae’Anna Smith, and two great-grandchildren: Elijah McKinzie and Darion Carter.  Kimberly blessed Fred with one grandchild, Alyssa Gordon. Sheila (Don) Reed blessed Fred with four grandchildren: Anthony Hayes Jr., Evan Hayes, Jacqueline Hayes, and Rachel Salazar. He loved them all dearly.

     Fred Smith worked as a tool setter for Lake City Army Ammunition in 1965. In 1971, he opened Smith’s Tropical Fish, where he sold a variety of freshwater and saltwater fish, along with related supplies and a variety of snacks.  In 1973, he worked as a machinist for Grambling Tool & Dye.  He worked as a facilities maintenance technician for City-Wide Maintenance in 1974, and for Electronic Research Co. in 1977.  In 1978, he worked as a laborer supporting the construction, maintenance, and repair of natural gas pipelines for Southern Star Natural Gas Company until his retirement in 1998.

     Fred received a certificate for Production Machine Operator in 1973.  And, in 2021, he attended Kansas City Area Vocational-Technical School and received a Certificate in Furniture Upholstery.

     He took pleasure in fishing, collecting coins, experimenting with creative ideas, and was well known for his “Mr. Smith Spices and Rubs”.

     Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Elwanda Smith, and his brother, Galen Smith.  Fred leaves to celebrate his homegoing; his children, Fred Smith IV, Kimberly Gordon, and Sheila Reed.  He also leaves his siblings: Alice Smith (Dwight Johnson), Elwanda C. (Duane) Richardson, Stefan (Constance) Smith, and his niece, nephews, relatives, and friends.

     Fred truly lived life to the fullest, and his stories and advice will stay with us forever.  He was greatly loved and will be truly missed, and his memory will be forever cherished.

     The memorial services will be held on Friday, August 22, 2025, at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 417 Richmond Ave., Kansas City, Kansas 66101, at 11:00 a.m.; visitation will be from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.

     The family will be greeting friends and relatives following the services at Forrest Hill Calvary Cemetery, 6901 Troost Ave., Kansas City, Missouri 64131.

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