Obituary of Darrell Smith

DARRELL DANN "SMITTY" SMITH Darrell Dann Smith, 83 years old, entered into rest on Monday, July 12, 2010, at Chico Enloe Medical Center, after fighting a courageous battle with Cancer. Darrell was known as "Smitty" to his friends and customers of over 50 years at his local business, "Smitty's Hudson Service." Smitty was born on December 7, 1926, in Chico to Wilma and Clarance Smith. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Donald "Pat" Smith; sister, Betty Snead, and Bear, his loving canine companion. Smitty leaves behind his loving wife and best friend of 62 years, Patty Shoemaker Smith and their five children, Kim Smith, Danny and wife, Bobbie Smith, all of Chico, Patty and husband, Dino Radotic of Lodi, Lynn and husband, Max Blobner of Lemoore, and Bill and wife, Sherry Smith of Paradise. Smitty was blessed with loving grandchildren; great-grandchildren; great-great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his sister, Eris Rossi of Bullhead City, Arizona. During WWII, Smitty served in the U.S. Army as a Sergeant in the Infantry and a Paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne. After military service, he became a mechanic and a certified automatic transmission specialist, trained by the Hudson Motor Company in 1951. In 1953, Smitty and his wife, Patty opened their own business, "Smitty's Hudson Service," on the corner of Highway 32 and West First Street in Chico. It is with great joy that his Hudson service sign still brightly shines at the same corner today. During Smitty's long career, he was proud to have the opportunity to sponsor the 2X race car, the "Big White Hudson" driven by Babe Holtzman and Jim White. Smitty retired due to his failing health at 80 years old. He was a man who measured riches, not in financial gain, but in personal relationships. It was not unusual for Smitty to accept payment in customer's tomatoes, furniture, IOU's or services, instead of cash when someone needed help. It is his strong work ethic and spirit of helping others that Smitty's family carries out today. Darrell "Smitty's" funeral service will be held at Brusie Funeral Home on Friday, July 16, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, you may make donations to Chico Gleaners.