Fred Gene Smith

SMITH, Fred Gene, Age 94, passed away on November 7, 2025 in Orlando, Florida. He was the sole child born to the late Fred Albert and Clara Dalka Smith in Rensselaer, Indiana on April 12, 1931. Fred enlisted in the United States Air Force at Griffiss AFB in New York at the age of 17 as a Maintenance Analysist Technician and served in Vietnam, receiving the Longevity Service Award, National Defense Medal, Outstanding Unit Award, Good Conduct Medal, and Vietnam Service Medal. While stationed at Sembach Air Base near Ramstein, Germany, he met the love of his wife, Gerda who worked at the Base Exchange. They were married in March of 1959 by the local German Burgermeister. Their courtship was an interesting one as Gerda spoke no English and Fred was not fluent in German. They used an interpreter and a lot of sign language in the beginning, however, Gerda quickly learned English with Fred’s tutoring. Fred and Gerda were transferred back to the United States in April of 1961 and lived first in Lincoln, Nebraska, then to New York State before Fred was transferred to Thailand to serve in the Vietnam campaign before retiring from the military in 1968. After retirement from the military, Fred and Gerda decided to move to Orlando to seek a better life together. Fred was then employed as a sales representative for an auto trim supply company and traveled throughout Florida and Georgia. His passions included photography and computers and was known to be extremely organized and passionate in everything he undertook. Fred and Gerda enjoyed many years socializing in the German/American Club and Cosmopolitan Club until her passing in May 2015. Fred will be remembered by friends and neighbors as an intelligent and quiet soul who deeply loved and missed his beloved wife. It gives them great comfort in knowing the two of them are together again enjoying a spin around the dance floor in heaven. Visitation for Fred Smith will take place at 9:00AM at A Community Funeral Home, 910 West Michigan Street, Orlando, FL 32805 on Tuesday, November 18, 2025 followed by interment at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida. In lieu of flowers, please honor Fred’s memory by making a donation to Wreaths Across America at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida.

Fred Gene Smith

April 12, 1931 - November 7, 2025