MARS HILL – Carl Willard Smith Sr., 83, loving husband of Priscilla Jones Smith, passed away Nov. 22, 2008, at a Mars Hill health care facility. He was born Dec. 20, 1924, in Mars Hill, son of Ivan W. and Louise Garrison Smith. He graduated from Aroostook Central Institute and attended Maine Central Institute before entering the U.S. Army in 1944. Carl grew and shipped potatoes for several years prior to starting a small fruit and vegetable sales business. Under the partnership of Carl and his son, Rick, Carl Smith Foods grew to become a major food distributor throughout Maine. He was a civic leader in his community and the state of Maine throughout his life, having served on SAD 42 school board, Mars Hill town council, Northern Maine Fair Association board of directors, board of trustees for the Maine Technical College System and a five-term representative to the Maine State House of Representatives. Carl was deeply dedicated to his family and treasured time spent with them. He found great enjoyment raising and training Arabian horses, a passion that was woven around his love of family. His children all enjoyed riding and showed their horses at competitions throughout the U.S. and New Brunswick. This family pastime was the source of many rich and cherished family memories. Carl was also a member and past president of the New England Arabian Horse Association. Carl struggled with multiple health issues during the past several years, but even through adversity, never stopped being an inspiration to his family and friends with his humor, wit and wisdom. During the short time he was a resident of Mars Hill Nursing Home, he won the hearts of his caregivers and was so grateful for the dedicated and compassionate care he received. The family thanks the outstanding staff and Dr. Jones for such wonderful care and love for Carl. He is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Priscilla Jones Smith; a son, Carl W. “Rick” Smith Jr. and his wife, Patricia, of Hampden; four daughters, Holly and her husband, Gehrig Johnson, of Presque Isle, Heidi and her husband, Roger Shaw, of Mars Hill, Heather and her husband, Peter Russell, of Alpharetta, Ga., and Harmony Donovan and her companion, Doug Millett, of North Wayne; nine grandchildren, Tyler Smith of Brewer, Mitchel Smith of Hampden, Stacy Shaw of Presque Isle, Stori Shaw of Augusta, Nicole Irving of Florida, Lee Shaw of Mars Hill, Taylor Russell of Orono, Brandon Russell of Georgia and Adam Donovan of Alabama; 17 great-grandchildren; one brother, Ivan W. Smith II and wife, Beverly, of New Hampshire; three sisters, Norma S. Tweedie and husband, Donald, of California, Margaret Murdoch of Massachusetts and Joyce Witherell and husband, George, of Florida; a very special cousin, Herschel Smith and his wife, Betty Jo, of Mars Hill; several stepgrandchildren and great-stepgrandchildren, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Carl was predeceased by a grandson, Bryant Donovan; one brother, Keith Smith; and two brothers-in-law, Robert Jones and Harlan Murdoch. Funeral services will be conducted 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 25, at Duncan Funeral Home, Main Street, Mars Hill, with Pastor Ivan W. Smith II officiating. Family and friends may call noon until the time of service at the funeral home. Interment will be at Pierce Cemetery, Mars Hill. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Walter T. A. Hanson Memorial Library, P.O. Box 1008, Mars Hill, ME 04758. Condolences may be expressed at www.duncan-graves.com.
CARL W. SMITH SR.
