Fred Roland Smith

Mr. Fred R. Smith passed away peacefully in the privacy of his home on Saturday February 17, 2024 where he was in the care of his loving wife and family. Fred was born on August 14, 1944 in Pinetops, NC and was the son of the late Richard and Ruth Peoples Smith. He was also predeceased by his brother, Richard (Dickie) Smith and his grandson, Eric R. Smith, II.
Mr. Smith was a graduate of the 1963 Class of Maury High School. Following graduation, he loved his country and served in the United States Air Force from 1963-1967. Fred was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. At a very young age he established an incredible work ethic that he would pass on to his children and grandchildren. Mr. Smith worked for RC Cola in Tidewater and ultimately rose to Assistant Sales Manager. He later worked for Coca Cola where he continued his great success in charge of Space Management. He ultimately retired from Coca Cola in 2007 after many years of dedicated service. His home showed his love and admiration for his job with the unending memorabilia of Coca Cola Bottling Company. He was a quiet man who loved and cared for his family deeply, making sure that they were cared for and that their needs were met along the way.
Those left to carry on his legacy are his loving wife, Laverne E. Smith, to whom he was married for 57 years; three sons, Frederick T. Smith and wife Kelly of Flagler Beach, FL, Eric R. Smith and wife Diana and Alex F. Smith and wife Bonni all of Chesapeake, VA, and three grandchildren, Frederick T. Smith, Jr. of Oviedo, FL, Leland T. Smith, and Thomas F. Smith of Chesapeake, VA and extended family and friends.
The Celebration of his life will be held on Thursday, February 22, 2024 at 2:00 P.M. in the Chapel of Oman Funeral Home and Crematory, 653 Cedar Road, Chesapeake, VA 23322. Pastor Thomas L. Mercer, Sr. will officiate. The family requests that contributions be made to the American Cancer Society, https://www.cancer.org Friends are invited to share memories, condolences, and to sign the online guestbook at www.omanfh.com.