Freddie J Smith Sr.

Obituary Freddie J. Smith, Sr., age 79, of Cambridge, Maryland, passed away peacefully on May 28, 2025, with his wife by his side, and surrounded by the love of his family. Born on May 14, 1946, in Hurlock, Maryland, Freddie was a lifelong resident of Cambridge, where he built a legacy rooted in love, family, and quiet strength. He was educated in Dorchester County Public Schools. He proudly served his country in the United States Army from May 1966 to May 1974. He later retired from Air Liquide America Corporation after 30+ years of dedicated work. Freddie was a man of deep wisdom, humility, and discipline. He believed in the power of education, the importance of preparation, and the value of order and cleanliness. He passed these principles on to his children, grandchildren, nephews, nieces, along with a fierce sense of advocacy, integrity, and pride. He was an avid reader and a lifelong learner, always seeking knowledge and understanding. Freddie also enjoyed traveling, practicing martial arts, riding his motorcycle, and collecting flashlights and gadgets. Later in life, he enjoyed spending quality time with a special group of friends. But above all, he loved being with his family---sharing meals, memories, and moments of joy. Freddie is survived by his devoted wife Glory Ann Smith, together for 53 years. He is also lovingly remembered by his children: Veronda Smith of Baltimore, MD, Dionne Smith Coker-Appiah (Victor) of Gaithersburg, MD, Lakisha Smith-Shields of Durham, NC, Freddie J. Smith, Jr. of Cambridge, MD, and ShaNora Smith-Wilson (DaAndre Sr.) of Clayton, NC. He leaves behind, his cherished sisters, Lily Richards and Virginia Smith, of Seaford, DE, and his beloved brother, Roy Smith, of Denton, MD. He also leaves behind, his dear mother-in-law, Mrs. Agnes E. Davis of Salem, MD, a cherished group of in-laws: Mildred Jews (Ronnie) of Salem, MD, Claudell Davis, Jr. (Alexzenia) of Linkwood, MD, Emma Chase (William) of Easton, MD, and Rose Wynder (Levin) of Hurlock, MD. Freddie took great pride in his role as “Pop-Pop” to his beloved grandchildren: Marlon Shields II, Brianna Gryce, NaTalia Smith, DaAndre Wilson Jr., Khalil Shields, DaVion Wilson, M'Kari Shields, Destiny Wilson, Clarity Smith, and Cameron Coker-Appiah, and Great-Grandchildren: M’Alei Shields, Zhy’Lei Shields, Cho’Zen Shields, Janelle Emery Jade Anderson, and Marlon R. Shields, III. His love and kindness also touched a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who will continue to honor his memory with love and admiration. Freddie was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Helen Smith and Alfred Butler, his Father-In-Law, Clidel E. Davis, Sr., sisters Blanche Spicer, Annie Smith, and Hattie Conway, and Son-In-Law, Marlon R. Shields. Freddie J. Smith, Sr. lived a life full of purpose and love. His quiet strength and unwavering presence will be dearly missed but forever remembered. "What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others." – Pericles Lovingly Submitted, The Smith Family In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to support the Freddie J. Smith, Sr. Youth Literacy Fund. This fund will provide books and educational resources to local libraries and youth programs with the goal of strengthening young people's ability to read, think, learn, and grow. Freddie J. Smith, Sr. deeply valued education, preparation, and the power of knowledge. He believed that literacy—the foundation for lifelong learning and critical thinking—was essential for individual empowerment and community advancement. Contributions to this fund will help instill a love of reading and learning in the next generation, serving as a meaningful tribute to his legacy of wisdom, dignity, and service. Donations can be made using the following link: https://gofund.me/5f33a6fe.

Freddie J Smith Sr.

May 14, 1946 - May 28, 2025