Fred Douglas Smith Jr.

Fred attended church with his grandmother and professed Christ at an early age at St. Annie AME Church in Austin, Texas, where he sang in the church choir.

He attended elementary and junior high in Austin, graduating with honors from William B. Travis High School in 1966. While at Travis High School Fred sang in the school’s all boys’ choir. After graduating from high school Fred attended Paul Quinn College in Waco, Texas.  

In 1967 Fred enlisted in the United States Marines Corps along with his best friend, Thurman “Bird” Jones. He served four years of active duty which included a tour of duty in Vietnam. Fred was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps in 1971. Fred was extremely proud to have been a part of the Marine Corps.  He received many awards, commendations, and medals.

After the Marines Fred moved to Fort Worth to attend Tarrant County Junior College, where he met his future wife Patricia Garner. To this union his only son, LaMond Smith, was born. Fred returned to Austin, Texas, with his family where he continued his education at the University of Texas at Austin. He graduated from the University of Texas with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology.

Fred's career spanned many different jobs, including working for the State of Texas and Motorola before finally working for the United States Postal Service, where he worked for over 20 years before he retired in 2009. While working for the Postal Service, Fred was an active member of The American Postal Workers Union. He developed many long term friendships there.

Fred loved all sports, but his favorites were basketball and football. He also loved to Barbeque (BBQ) and considered himself a BBQ King.

Fred is survived by his adoring wife, Patricia; his son, LaMond; five grandchildren: Kevin, Rache’, Quinten, Tajé, and Kayla; one great-grandchild, Kyng; his uncle, Rev. John Morris; a host of relatives, which includes his cousin, Frances Harper, whom he shared a special relationship with; and his lifelong friend, Jackie Jones.