1940
Bernie
2016
Bernie Russell Smith
January 9, 1940 — November 25, 2016
Bernard “Bernie“ R. Smith, a lifetime resident of Ft. Pierce, peacefully passed away Friday, November 25, 2016, surrounded by his family.
Bernie was born to Russell and Dorothy (Stokes) Smith on January 9, 1940 in Ft. Pierce, FL. He proudly served in the military, spending most of his time stationed in Europe and upon discharge he married the love of his life, Betty Ann Jones.
Bernie was a third-generation commercial fisherman who shared his love of the water with his family, which led to many wonderful memories. He later retired from Varn Citrus where he was a manager for 28 years.
Bernie was most passionate about his music and was a self-taught musician, mastering the guitar and piano at an early age. He was blessed with a beautiful voice and often entertained family and friends with songs by some of his favorites like Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash and Freddie Fender. Even though there was never a dry eye when he sang Old Shep, it was always requested.
Bernie is survived by his wife of 56 years, Betty; two sons, Russell Smith Garza and Duane Smith of Ft. Pierce; two daughters, Cheri Smith of Ft. Pierce and Maria Petterson (Andy) of Tampa; four grandchildren, Blake Smith, Cody Skinner-Smith, and Andrew and Alexis Petterson; his younger sister Norma Jean (Prissy) Maxwell of Port St. Lucie, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Dorothy Smith, and his older sister, Joyce Femiano.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, December 10th, 2016 between 11:00am and 3:00pm at the St. Lucie Village School House located at 2501 Old Dixie Highway, St. Lucie Village. The service will take place at 11:00 am welcoming those who would like to share memories to do so. In lieu of flowers the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Treasure Coast Hospice, 5000 Dunn Road, Ft. Pierce, FL 34981 or the charity of your choice.
Bernie was born to Russell and Dorothy (Stokes) Smith on January 9, 1940 in Ft. Pierce, FL. He proudly served in the military, spending most of his time stationed in Europe and upon discharge he married the love of his life, Betty Ann Jones.
Bernie was a third-generation commercial fisherman who shared his love of the water with his family, which led to many wonderful memories. He later retired from Varn Citrus where he was a manager for 28 years.
Bernie was most passionate about his music and was a self-taught musician, mastering the guitar and piano at an early age. He was blessed with a beautiful voice and often entertained family and friends with songs by some of his favorites like Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash and Freddie Fender. Even though there was never a dry eye when he sang Old Shep, it was always requested.
Bernie is survived by his wife of 56 years, Betty; two sons, Russell Smith Garza and Duane Smith of Ft. Pierce; two daughters, Cheri Smith of Ft. Pierce and Maria Petterson (Andy) of Tampa; four grandchildren, Blake Smith, Cody Skinner-Smith, and Andrew and Alexis Petterson; his younger sister Norma Jean (Prissy) Maxwell of Port St. Lucie, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Dorothy Smith, and his older sister, Joyce Femiano.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, December 10th, 2016 between 11:00am and 3:00pm at the St. Lucie Village School House located at 2501 Old Dixie Highway, St. Lucie Village. The service will take place at 11:00 am welcoming those who would like to share memories to do so. In lieu of flowers the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Treasure Coast Hospice, 5000 Dunn Road, Ft. Pierce, FL 34981 or the charity of your choice.
To send flowers to the family in memory of Bernie Russell Smith, please visit our flower store.
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