FRANCIS EDWARD SMITH

Francis Edward “Smitty” Smith, Rocky Meadow Farm, Thurmont MD, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, April 9, 2023. Born June 18, 1938, he was the son of the late Adam Smith and Florence Ecker Smith.

Smitty lost his dad at a young age but had already developed a strong work ethic that guided his path through life, and which he passed down to his children and grandchildren. As a young man he worked as a dairyman and farmhand, served in the US Army and Reserves, was a bartender and restaurant manager, worked as plant manager at Supreme Block in Frederick for many years, then maintenance supervisor at Sunshine Management, from which he retired. Not content to be idle, he opened his own business, Smitty’s Maintenance Service. For the last 30 years, he also managed Rocky Meadow Farm, making hay, and caring for the horses, cattle, goats, and multiple other animals. He took great pride in growing vegetables and making his own sausage, scrapple & wine. He had a strong appreciation for the beauty and bounty of nature.

But he wasn’t all work; he loved camping, fishing, hunting, and socializing with his friends and family!

He had a wide smile and a great sense of humor. He loved his horses, and is sadly missed by cattle dogs Jenny and Shay, his “girls”.

He is survived by his longtime companion, Ginger Graybill, as well as his children Edward E. Smith, Robert L, Smith (Patti Swakopf), Jo Ann Kerns (Wally Boggs), grandchildren, Kelsey Kerns Shuff, Deanna Smith, Kaylee Smith, Edward Smith Jr., Robert Smith Jr., great-grandchildren Robert Smith III, Easton & Ensley Shuff, Ali Smith, Colton Lynch, Ryleigh Perella and Heaven Baskerville. Also surviving are siblings Ann Smith and Rodney Smith, Ruth Rhoades (Ralph) and Mary Jane Carty.

He will also be remembered by his many nieces and nephews, Ginger’s children, and grandchildren,

bonus daughter Robin Wilhide Smith, and his former wife and mother of his children, Beverly Hoke of Thurmont.

The family will be receiving friends Friday, April 14, 2023, from 2:00 – 4:00 pm and 6:00 – 8:00 pm, at J.L. Davis Funeral Home, Smithsburg, MD, 12525 Bradbury Ave, Smithsburg, MD, 21783.

Online condolences can be offered at www.jldavisfh.com.