Fred D. Smith, Jr., was born January 27, 1925, in Kansas City, Kansas (Rosedale Community) to Margaret Augusta and Fred D. Smith, Sr. To this union, nine children were born in which four brothers, Linville Smith, Buford Smith, Cecil Smith, Sr., and Robert Smith, Sr., and three sisters, Freda Keys, Vivian Wright, and Velma Fouse preceded him in death.

Fred grew up in Kansas City, Kansas (Rosedale), and attended Attucks Elementary School, Northeast Junior High School class of 1939, and was member of the Sumner High School class of 1942. In 1943, Fred married Elwanda C. Hanks, who preceded him in death. To this union five children were born, Fred D. Smith, III, Alice L. Smith, Stefan R. Smith, Elwanda C. Richardson, and Galen E. Smith, who preceded him in death.

Fred received Christ at an early age while attending Pleasant Valley Baptist Church in Kansas City, Kansas (Rosedale Community). He has been a member of Pleasant Valley Baptist Church for more than eighty-three years. He served, for a period of time, as a Trustee of the church, and was ordained as a Deacon on May 31, 1992, under the leadership of the late Rev. William H. Vaughn.

Fred was also a member of the Men's Chorus and thoroughly enjoyed singing. His favorite hymn was "If Jesus Goes With Me I'll Go." Fred worked for Brown Brothers Construction for several years before accepting a position as an Oiler at the Board of Public Utilities (BPU), Kansas City, Kansas, in February 1966. He worked for BPU until he retired in August 1988. The most important things to Fred, after the Lord Jesus Christ, was his family and church. He thoroughly enjoyed spending time taking care of his family, especially his grandchildren, after he retired and also enjoyed visiting the sick, and helping whoever was in need.

Fred will live on in the hearts of his beloved survivors: his children, Fred D. Smith, III (Velma), Alice L. Smith (Dwight), Stefan R. Smith (Constance), and Elwanda C. Richardson (Duane); one sister, Clarice Ricks (Henderson, NV); eight grandchildren, twenty-three great-grandchildren, eight great-great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and neighbors.

Private funeral services will be held Saturday, May 1, 2021. Interment Forest Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Friday, April 30, 2021 from 6:00pm-8:00pm at the chapel. Service conducted by Lawrence A. Jones & Sons Funeral Chapel. Condolences may be shared on our website. Due to COVID-19, social distancing and face coverings will be required. Temperature check for all guest(s). Live streaming of the service will be available on Corinthians MBC facebook page.