Freddie L. Smith

Freddie Lee Smith, 73, of Uhrichsville, passed away at his home while surrounded by his loving family on Monday, February 1, 2021, following a period of declining health. Born April 25, 1947 in Dennison, he was a son of the late Adran D. and Marilyn Jean (Beckett) Smith.

Fred was a lifelong area resident and 1965 graduate of Tuscarawas-Warwick High School. He later earned his B. S. in Education in 1972 and then A. S. in Criminal Justice in 1976 from Kent State University, in addition to completing extensive law enforcement training. He began his career as a teacher and coach at Indian Valley North Junior High from 1968 to 1973, during which time he started in law enforcement as a Police Officer, and then Chief, with the Village of Tuscarawas. In 1973, Fred embarked on his 27 year career with the Tuscarawas County Sheriff’s Office where he served as a Road Patrol Deputy and Road Patrol Sergeant before attaining the rank of Lieutenant. He was assigned the position of Jail Administrator in 1985 which he held until his retirement in 2000, having been involved in the planning of their new facility which was opened in 1992. From 1976 to 2000, Fred was the School Commander of the Basic Peace Officer Training School and Firearms Instructor for the Tuscarawas County Sheriff’s Department, and in retirement, he was an Instructor at STAR Alternative School in Tuscarawas County and the Program Director for the Law Enforcement Training Academy at Stark State College. He was a member of the Buckeye State Sheriff’s Association and F.O.P. Lodge #4.

Active in his community throughout his life, he will be remembered as having positively influenced many lives through his work, not only in education and law enforcement, but as a Committee Chairman for Boy Scout Troop 461 in Tuscarawas and as Chairman of the Community Corrections Planning Board for Tuscarawas County. An avid hunter and fisherman, he was a member of the N.R.A. and the Game Reserve Association, as well as the Uhrichsville Elks Lodge. He attended Strait Gate Baptist Church in Dennison for many years.

He will be deeply missed by his surviving family which includes his wife, the former Jacqueline L. Cavanaugh, whom he married on November 1, 1993; son, Frederick (Ronda) Smith; stepdaughters whom he loved like his own, Kimberly Cannon, Julie Erickson, and Kelli Giumenti; grandchildren, Emma, Landon, Ty, Chase, Austin, Andrew, Steven, and Cole; sister, Maurita Menapace; sister-in-law, Lois Smith; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Edward Smith.

Family and friends are invited to attend his graveside service, officiated by Pastor Michael O’Guin, at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, February 5, at Evergreen Burial Park in New Philadelphia. In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions honoring his memory may be made to Community Hospice and Starlight Enterprises.