George R. Smith Sr.

SMITH, GEORGE, R., SR 81 - of Folsom, passed away on Saturday, October 4, 2008. George was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend to many people throughout his life. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him. He attended Hammonton High School, was in the Merchant Marines 1944-1948, US Marine Corps 1948-1952 serving special attachment for the United Nations in Israel and traveled extensively around the world in the military. He was Past President of the Folsom School Board, former Council member Boro of Folsom, member Folsom Fire Co., Folsom Planning Board, and Folsom Athletic Association Men's League. George was proud serving as a member and President of the Kessler Memorial Hospital Board of Directors. He was a member of the Greenmount Cemetery Committee and a member and co chairperson for the St. James Lutheran Church Building Fund. He was always available to help any charity or community group. He was also a member of the MB Taylor Masonic Lodge #151 in Hammonton and honored as "Man of Year" in 1996. He was member of the Shriners, Excelsior Consistory and Crescent Temple. George was a member of American Legion, US Marine Corp League, Veterans of Foreign Wars and United Nation Team 1948. He was honored as a True Friend of Education by the Folsom School and as Outstanding Citizen by the Folsom Boro. He enjoyed his family and friends and shared his enjoyment of life with all. George was well known for his many years of race car ownership in regional dirt modified racing as well as the ARCA and NASCAR divisions. Mr. Smith's annual outdoor Christmas display on his lawn gave holiday happiness to families throughout the years. His strong patriotic belief was evident with the American flags and his 9/11 float for all to view. George Smith retired from his business, Statewide Hi-Way Safety, Inc. of Folsom, NJ Smith was predeceased by his father, George, mother, Helen, brother John and sister Marie. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years Lorraine Schmickel Smith, son, George Jr and wife Maryann, daughter, Patricia Horton Zellers, son Glenn and wife Rhonda. Survived by six grandchildren, George III and Victoria Smith, James IV and Ryan Horton, and Lindsey and Tiffany Smith and five step-grandchildren, Joseph Kell, Joanne Dolson, Sandra Jo Kell, Patrick Zellers and Dustin Zellers. He is survived by his sisters, Helen Eby and husband Edward, Elizabeth Rowe and Dorothea Alminde all of Folsom NJ Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewing Wednesday, October 8 from 6:00-9:00 pm at the Marinella Funeral Home, 102 N. Third Street in Hammonton. Church services will be held at the St. James Lutheran Church in Folsom Thursday, October 9, 2008 at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to the St. James Lutheran Church Building Fund 1341 Mayslanding Road, Folsom, NJ 08037 or the Foundation of William B. Kessler Memorial Hospital, P.O. Box 437, Hammonton, NJ 08037.