Bud Smith's Obituary
Bud Smith died on August 23, 2013 at the Shell Point Larson Pavilion Hospice Unit after a long battle with cancer. He was born September 12, 1931 in St. Augustine, FL to W. C. Smith and Doris Gunnells Smith. The family later moved to New Jersey where he graduated from Linden High School and attended Lincoln Technical Institute. Bud enlisted and served for four years in the Marine Corps, primarily in Korea, where he received two Purple Hearts, the Presidential Unit Citation and Distinguished Service Medal among others. He was a member of The Military Order of The Purple Heart and The Korean War Veterans of SWFL – – Cape Coral Chapter – – and the Marine Corps Association and Foundation.Bud worked at Merck and Co. as a millwright for 26 years, played semi-pro football, drove race cars, and married the love of his life, Julie. His greatest joy was being surrounded by friends and family. Upon retirement, he and Julie moved to Cape Coral and Punta Gorda, FL and continued the good life. Then they moved to Shell Point, Fort Myers in 2004, where Bud brought much joy to many people as he loved playing his guitar as a member of the Jazz ‘N Stuff group.Leaving behind to cherish his memory are his devoted wife, Julie; his brother Jerry (Val) of Toms River, NJ; sister Alice (Frank) of Linden, NJ; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Ann and Ed Hrycenko of Linden, NJ; and many nephews and nieces. Bud’s brother, Ronald Smith of Rahway, NJ predeceased him.The family suggests that memorial gifts in his memory be made to Hope Hospice, Shell Point Pavilion Hospice Unit, 15071 Shell Point Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33908.Funeral services will be conducted at 10:30 AM Wednesday, August 28, 2013 at Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Funeral Home. Friends will be received from 2 – 5 PM Tuesday at the funeral home. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, 1589 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33907, 239-936-0555. Online condolences may be made at: www.fortmyersmemorial.com.
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