Ernest I. Smith

Ernest I. Smith, 83, of Wakefield, died peacefully Sunday, March 2, 2014 at home. He was the beloved husband of Barbara J. (Chafee) Smith for 43 years. Born in East Lyme, CT, he was a son of the late Arthur and Esther (Holmes) Smith. Mr. Smith was employed by the South Kingstown School Department for many years. He was an avid sports fisherman and was a former member of the Narragansett Surf Casters Club. Besides his loving, patient and understanding wife he is survived by thirteen children, H. Brian Smith of Chiloquin, Oregon, Timothy M. Smith of Johnston, Melissa N. Smith of South Kingstown, Gloria Ward of VA, Audrey Perales of TX, Toni McGirr of CT, Dorothy Burdick of NC, Arlene Godsey of NC, Ernest Smith of CT, Evelyn Angora of NY, Sherri Mooney of NC, Sheila Hemme of NC, and Brenda Foor of MI; thirty-two grandchildren and forty great-grandchildren. He was the father of the late Donna Fish and grandfather of the late Tammy Lynn Smith. A celebration of Ernies life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 22, 2014 at the Perryville Bible Church, 220 Moonstone Beach Road, Wakefield. Burial will be private and visiting hours are respectfully omitted. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that people continue Ernies legacy of love for his special needs daughter by making memorial donations to the Melissa N.Smith Trust, c/o Barbara Smith, 848 Wordens Pond Road, Wakefield, RI 02879.