Fred Smith

Fred Smith September 24, 1925 – July 17, 2006 Fred Smith, 80, of Waco passed away July 17, 2006. Services will be at 9:30 AM Wednesday, July 19 at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Bosque Chapel with burial to follow at China Spring Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be from 6 to 8 PM Tuesday, July 18 at Wilkirson Hatch Bailey Funeral Home. Fred was born on September 24, 1925 in Farmington, NM to Gip and Edna Aynes Smith. He grew up in the Bosqueville community and graduated from Waco High in 1943. He served in the Navy from September 1943 until May 1946. He then returned to Waco and on June 16, 1951, he married June Burt in the China Spring Community. He worked as an aircraft mechanic at James Connally Air Force Base. After the Air Force base closed, Fred had a used car lot on Franklin Ave. for a couple of years, before returning to work as an aircraft mechanic for General Dynamics at the Waco Hangers. When General Dynamics closed its Waco operations, Fred worked at the Waco VA Fort Hood Diesel Engine Shop, and supervised the maintenance shop at Waco Army Reserve Center until he retired from the Civil Service in 1991. After that, he helped his wife manage the Old Briarstown Townhomes until they retired in 1996. Fred was a car maintenance enthusiast who loved to work on cars, doing major motor overhauls to finish body and paint work. He was a very kind and generous person, who loved his family and friends. He was also a very proud “Papaw”, and was loved by his grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, June Smith, and a granddaughter, Mallory Carlile. He is survived by his son, Larry and wife, Brenda; daughter, Kay Carlile and husband Chuck; four grandchildren; Melinda, Justin and Trey Smith; and Lauren Carlile; one brother, Chesley Smith and several nieces and nephews. Pallbearers are Brian Burt, Joe Burt, Addis McNamara, Tommy McNamara, Chesley Smith, Jr. and Greg Taggart. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to China Spring Volunteer Fire Department. A “Special Thanks” go to Meadowlands Terrace, Bluebonnet Home Health Care and Providence Hospice. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our “memorial Guestbook” at www.wilkirsonhatchbailey.com. Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey