PRINCETON, W.Va. — Fred Smith, a longtime member of the community who was formerly of Orient, Ohio, passed away on Monday, August 31, 2026, at the age of 86. His death has left family members, friends, and loved ones mourning a man remembered as a devoted father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend.
Fred was born on April 19, 1940, in Pikeville, Kentucky, to the late Willie and Nancy Jane Smith. Over the course of his 86 years, he built a life centered on family and the relationships he shared with the people around him.
His passing marks the end of a long life filled with family memories and connections that will continue to be cherished by those who knew him.
Remembering Fred Smith
Fred Smith will be remembered first and foremost for the place he held within his family.
He was a father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend whose relationships remained an important part of his life.
For those closest to Fred, his passing brings the difficult reality of saying goodbye to someone who had been part of their lives for many years.
Family members are now reflecting on the conversations, gatherings, celebrations, and everyday moments they shared with him.
Those memories will remain an important part of his legacy.
Fred Smith’s Early Life
Fred was born in Pikeville, Kentucky, on April 19, 1940.
He was the son of Willie and Nancy Jane Smith, both of whom preceded him in death.
Over the decades that followed, Fred established connections with family members and communities in different parts of the region, including Orient, Ohio, before later residing in Princeton, West Virginia.
His life was shaped by the people around him and by the family relationships that continued across generations.
A Father and Family Man
Fred leaves behind several children who will carry his memory forward.
His surviving children include:
- Dan Smith and his wife Anita
- Melinda Short and Robert East
- Steve Smith and his wife Toni
- Jennifer Farley and her husband Joe
- Steve Short, his son-in-law
Fred was also a grandfather to 12 grandchildren and a great-grandfather to 16 great-grandchildren.
His family spans multiple generations, providing a lasting connection to the life he lived and the memories he created.
For his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, Fred’s memory will remain part of their family’s story.
Fred Smith’s Family and Siblings
Fred was one of several siblings.
He is survived by his brothers and family members Joe, Donnie, Roger, Greg, Paul, Burl, and Michael Smith.
Several of his siblings preceded him in death, including Marie Smith, Clifton Smith, Bob Smith, and Clarence Smith.
The loss of siblings across the years is another part of the family history Fred leaves behind.
For his surviving brothers and extended relatives, his passing represents the loss of another member of a family whose shared history stretches across generations.
Fred Smith’s Wife and Daughter
Fred was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn Smith, as well as his daughter, Rose Walters.
The loss of a spouse and child before his own passing formed part of the family’s history.
Fred’s surviving relatives now mourn his death while also remembering the family members who passed away before him.
Those shared memories can be particularly meaningful during a period of grief, helping families preserve connections with generations that came before.
A Legacy Across Generations
Fred Smith’s legacy is reflected in the generations of family members who survive him.
With 12 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren, his family continues to carry forward the stories and memories associated with his life.
Grandparents and great-grandparents can play an important role in family traditions and memories. The experiences shared across generations can remain long after a loved one has died.
For Fred’s family, those memories will become an enduring part of his legacy.
Family and Friends Mourn Fred Smith
The death of an 86-year-old loved one brings both sadness and reflection.
Fred’s family and friends are now remembering the years they spent with him and the moments that shaped their relationships.
For those who knew him, memories may include family gatherings, conversations, holidays, celebrations, and everyday experiences.
While grief can make those memories painful at first, they can also become a source of comfort as time passes.
Fred’s loved ones will continue carrying those memories with them.
Fred Smith Funeral and Visitation
Family and friends were given an opportunity to pay their respects during visitation held on September 8, 2026, at Wellman Funeral Home in Circleville, Ohio.
The visitation provided an opportunity for those who knew Fred to gather with members of his family, offer condolences, share memories, and honor his life.
Additional funeral information was not included in the details provided for publication.
Those seeking further information about services should confirm arrangements with Fred’s family or the funeral home.
Fred Smith Obituary: What We Know
For those searching for information about the Fred Smith obituary, the available details include:
- Name: Fred Smith
- Age: 86
- Date of death: Monday, August 31, 2026
- Birth date: April 19, 1940
- Birthplace: Pikeville, Kentucky
- Residence: Princeton, West Virginia
- Former community: Orient, Ohio
- Parents: Willie and Nancy Jane Smith
- Wife: Carolyn Smith, deceased
- Daughter: Rose Walters, deceased
- Grandchildren: 12
- Great-grandchildren: 16
- Surviving siblings: Joe, Donnie, Roger, Greg, Paul, Burl, and Michael Smith
- Visitation: September 8, 2026
- Funeral home: Wellman Funeral Home, Circleville, Ohio
These details are based on the information provided and should be confirmed through the family’s official obituary or funeral home if further updates are issued.
Remembering a Life Well Lived
Fred Smith lived for 86 years, leaving behind a large family and generations of memories.
His life extended from his birth in Pikeville, Kentucky, to his years connected with Orient, Ohio, and ultimately Princeton, West Virginia.
Throughout those years, family remained an important part of his story.
His children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, and friends will each have their own memories of Fred.
Those individual memories together form a lasting portrait of the man they knew and loved.
Fred Smith’s Lasting Legacy
A person’s legacy is often found not only in accomplishments but in the people who remain after them.
Fred’s family represents that continuing legacy.
His 12 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren ensure that future generations will continue to know his name and remember the family history connected to him.
Stories about Fred, photographs, family traditions, and memories of time spent together can help keep his presence alive within the family.
Although he is no longer physically present, the relationships he created throughout his life remain.
Final Tribute to Fred Smith
The passing of Fred Smith at age 86 has left his family, friends, and loved ones mourning the loss of a father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend.
Born in Pikeville, Kentucky, in 1940, Fred built a life that connected him with family and communities in Kentucky, Ohio, and West Virginia.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn Smith, his daughter Rose Walters, and several siblings. He leaves behind children, 12 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and several surviving siblings who will continue to carry his memory forward.
Visitation was held September 8 at Wellman Funeral Home in Circleville, providing family and friends with an opportunity to gather and remember his life.
For those who knew Fred, his story will not be defined solely by the date of his passing. It will continue through the family he loved, the memories they created together, and the generations that will carry his name forward.
May Fred Smith rest in peace, and may his family, friends, and loved ones find comfort in the many memories they shared with him. May his legacy continue through the generations of family he leaves behind.
This article is based on the obituary and family information provided for publication. Funeral and memorial details should be confirmed through the family or Wellman Funeral Home if additional information or changes are announced.