Fritz Carner Smith Jr.

Fritz Carner Smith, Jr., 91, of Kingstree, South Carolina, passed away peacefully Monday, November 3, 2025, holding the hand of his wife at McLeod Hospice House in Florence. He was born December 5, 1933, in Charleston, South Carolina, a son of Blanche Miller Smith and Fritz Carner Smith, Sr. Fritz was a 1952 graduate of Kingstree High School. He then proudly served his country in the South Carolina National Guard, in the United States Army in the European Command in Germany during the Korean Conflict, and in the Army Reserve.



An avid landscaper and true Southern gentleman, Fritz never met a stranger. Effortless and contagious kindness came naturally to Fritz. He was the consummate storyteller who liked to connect and make everyone smile and feel comfortable in his presence, especially in the Smith home.



Fritz retired after 33 years as top traveling salesman with Jarrett Specialty Company, a local wholesale brokerage. He was an active member of the Kingstree Jaycees, Woodmen of the World, and the Sonny Davis Supper Club. In retirement he enjoyed automobile sales with Longstreet Chevrolet, especially catering to all the area widows. An active member of Williamsburg Presbyterian Church in Kingstree, Fritz always enjoyed his roles as Sunday greeter and sanctuary guild member. For many years he was a member, ordained deacon, and Sunday School teacher at Kingstree First Baptist.



Fritz was a devoted husband, a loving, supportive father and father-in-law, and a doting grandfather. Surviving are his beloved wife of over 65 years, Margaret Emma Boyd; two sons, Preston Fritz Smith of New York, New York, and Brian Keith Smith (Mary Beauchene) of Georgetown; grandson, Fritz Charles Smith, his namesake, also of Georgetown; cherished sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Marilyn Boyd and Tom Summers of Columbia, and dozens of nieces and nephews who loved "Uncle Fritz". Fritz was predeceased by his parents, his sister, Constance Benton, and brother, Ronald Linton Smith.



Special thanks from Margaret and Fritz to Dr. Hugh Stoddard of Sumter, Dr. Rhett Spencer of Florence, Amedisys Home Health, and McLeod Hospice House.



After a family burial service, a funeral with military honors will be at 12 Noon, November 8, 2025, at Williamsburg Presbyterian Church, 411 North Academy Street, Kingstree. Officiating will be Reverend David Ruth, Reverend Eva Ruth, and Reverend Donald Muncie. Organist is Mrs. William Henry Chandler of First Presbyterian, Florence. Active Pallbearers are nephews, S. M. Gordon, Roger McCants, Ted Cottingham, Lynn McCants, Boyd Summers, Mason Summers, and family friends, William Johnson and Dickey Williamson. Honorary pallbearers include Chuck Hylton, Henry Poston, Mac Kelly, Bruce Brown, Gary Jarrett, Greg Brown, Herby Stackley and Robert Briggs.



A party for "Mr. Fritz" will immediately follow the service in Grace Hall.



Memorials may be made to Williamsburg Presbyterian Church, 411 North Academy Street, Kingstree SC 29556, or to a charity of one's choice.



Online condolences may be left at www.young-fh.com



Young Funeral Home of Hemingway is in charge of the arrangements. (843) 933-4262.