Fernando R Smith

Fernando Ricardo Smith was born Sept 6, 1973 and departed this life on Feb 3, 2012 after a lengthy illness. He was given by God to his parents Ferdinand Smith Jr. his brother also preceded him in death. Fernando, (lovingly called Smitty was educated in the Baltimore City Public School System. He also attended Catonsville, Community College for 2 years. He was employed at the Charles Hickey Juvenile Center in Baltimore County for 10 years, The Paradox for 10 years, and Cheers for 2 years. Smitty was a very loving and giving person to all that knew him. He readily gave up his freedom as a young man to care for his grandmother Fannie until her death. He was the one you went to if you needed to talk about serious things. He was the one who could make you feel better about whatever your issue was. The issue sometimes would not be gone, but through his talking to you, somehow youdeveloped strength to get through the issue. Smitty was also blessed with the gift of drawing. Since he was child he had a love of drawing and he was quite good at it. He was also an entrepreneur, probably inheriting that from his “Aunt Tammy”. Smitty along with his friends were developing a clothing line and music Cd’s. He was doing what he loved with those that he loved. Smitty was a man that said what he meant, and meant exactly what he said. When entered a room he automatically got your attention because of his size. Then if you had the opportunity to be in his inner circle you would find out he was really a gentle giant. Smitty did not attend church, but we know he knew the Lord and had the living Word hidden in his heart. Although Smitty had no children of his own, he was an excellent example of what a Father should be. When dealing with children in the family loved for him to pick them up because they felt they were on a tall amusement ride. There are some very special people that Smitty would want to say thank you to. They are Linda Atkins who fought relentlessly for him to get the medical treatment he needed, and so much more. His grandmother Dorothy, who prayed for him all his life. Darnell Atkins , Antoine Purnell, and Mustafa Hagg who stuck with him from childhood, or manhood through his illness, and to the end. His cousin Spencer spent time with him celebrating the lives of family members, and sharing precious memories. Sherwand Stith a devoted friend for many years. Always there to support and care for him unconditionally. His niece Jannika who he loved and adored. He loved to pick her up and take take her to visit family members. Sashay Hopson, his god daughter. When she was naughty all Smitty had to do was to gently speak to her and she corrected her behavior. She holds a special place in his heart. We will all miss Smitty for different reasons. We will grieve together and sometimes alone, but we will collectively remember how he touched all of our lives. Smitty leaves to cherish his memory: one sister, Cheryl Smith; two brothers, Daryl and Anthony Smith; one grandmother Dorothy Peace, three aunts; Tammy, Rhonda, and Lauretta; two nieces, two nephews, four great nieces, two great nephews; one god daughter; four cousins he was raised with; Spencer, Vonda, George, and James as well as a host of family members and friends.

Tributes

Fernando R Smith

September 6, 1973 - February 3, 2012