Linda Hunt Smith

Linda Hunt Smith passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, October 4, 2025. She was the only daughter of John T. Hunt and Lucia T. Hunt, born on September 12th in Jacksonville, Florida.
After graduating high school, Linda attended the University of Miami and Jacksonville University. During her college years, she discovered a love for fashion while modeling. In 1962, she married Donald Reid Fudge and devoted herself to raising their family. Once her children became more independent, Linda fulfilled a lifelong dream by opening her own retail fashion business, JL Reid, a clothier offering European and American designer sportswear, formal wear and special occasion, footwear, lingerie, accessories, cosmetics and fragrances to Jacksonville's "Best Dressed" women.
Linda was also deeply committed to her community. She served as Past President of the Duval County Unit of the American Cancer Society and was instrumental for many years in organizing the Annual Fashion Show and Making Strides events. A charter member of the North Florida chapter of Fashion Group International (FGI), she combined her passion for fashion with a spirit of service that inspired those around her.
In 1993, following the death of her husband, Donald, Linda was introduced to Charles R. Smith, Jr. through dear mutual friends. They married the next year in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, and Linda relocated to Huntsville, Alabama. She was a devoted member of The Episcopal Church of the Nativity, and supported many community organizations, including past member of the foundation board of the Huntsville Museum of Art, the Museum Guild, the Historic Huntsville Foundation, the Greenwyche Garden Club, and the Athena Book Club.
Linda's greatest joy was her family and friends, with whom she shared countless celebrations, adventures, and travels around the world. Of all her journeys, she most cherished a 2008 trip through Italy with loved ones, marking a milestone birthday surrounded by those who meant the most to her.
She will be remembered not only for her beauty, impeccable style and creativity, but for the extraordinary depth of her love. She was a woman of great warmth, grace, and generosity - a loyal friend, a devoted wife, a nurturing mother, and a proud grandmother and great-grandmother. Her ability to make others feel seen, cherished, and cared for was one of her most beautiful gifts.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and her first husband, Donald Reid Fudge. Her greatest heartbreaks were the loss of her son, Reid in 2019, and her beloved Charles, in 2018 after 24 years of marriage.
Linda is survived by her children, John Hunt Fudge, Lucia Hazen Keck (Buckley), Linda M. Fudge (daughter-in-law); Caroline R. Smith, and Christine Smith Lewter (Michael). She is also lovingly remembered by her seven grandchildren, Dylan Hunt Fudge (Vianey), Jade Fudge Hirvela (Daniel), Savannah Lucia Audino (Anthony), Hunter Everett Hazen, Nash Benson, Jackson Lewter, and Austin Lewter, and her three great-grandchildren, Tychus Liam Fudge, Violet Elisabeth Hirvela, and Daniel Reid Hirvela.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Joyce Schultz, Patricia Lounds, and Jada Lounds for their devoted friendship, loving care and steadfast support during Linda's final months.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, October 29, at The Episcopal Church of the Nativity. Burial will be in Maple Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital or The Episcopal Church of the Nativity.