CARL E. SMITH SR.

Fort Fairfield & Caribou – Carl E. Smith Sr., 79, husband of Shirley J. (Dionne) Smith, passed away Sunday evening, January 24, 2021 at a Caribou nursing facility, following a period of declining health. He was born February 9, 1941 in Caribou, the son of Walter and Hannah (Langley) Smith. He attended Caribou schools and served in the United States Air Force from 1958 to 1961 and subsequently served seventeen years in the Maine Army National Guard. Carl was married to Shirley J. Dionne on May 5, 1962 and had been employed in various capacities including as a welder, and working at Loring Air Force Base during the winter months in snow removal. He finished his career as a truck driver for Forbes Landscaping in Caribou, and was a resident of Fort Fairfield for many years. Carl greatly enjoyed riding his ATV, camping, and celebrating the holidays. He was a member of the American Legion Henry B. Pratt, Jr. Post No. 15, Caribou. His greatest joy came from spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He was “Pop Pop” to his special grandson, Jayson. He was predeceased by his father, Walter Smith; his mother and step-father, Hannah (Smith) and Fred Roberts; two daughters, Cheryl L. Smith on May 19, 1995 and Beth Ann (Smith) Tardie on July 11, 2003; one brother, Glenwood W. Smith; one sister, Sharon Brown. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Shirley J. Smith of Caribou; one son and daughter-in-law, Carl E. Jr. and Wanda Smith of Fort Fairfield; one sister and brother-in-law, Deleen and Lendall Johnson of North Carolina; four grandchildren, Derek Boudreau and his wife Meagan, Carl E. Smith III, all of Fort Fairfield, Crystal Smith and her fiancé Peter Gardner, Daniel Kaiser and his wife Heather, all of Presque Isle; four great grandchildren, Kerie and Dean Kaiser, Jayson Simonds, Josh Gardner, all of Presque Isle; and a soon to be great granddaughter, Harper Gardner; as well as several nieces and nephews. A graveside service with military honors will be conducted later in the spring at St. Denis Catholic Cemetery, Fort Fairfield, at a date and time to be announced by the Giberson-Dorsey Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 144 Main Street, Fort Fairfield. Those who wish may contribute in memory of Mr. Smith to the Maine Veterans Home, 163 Van Buren Road, Suite 2, Caribou, Maine 04736. Online condolences may be expressed at www.gibersondorseyfuneralhome.com