Fred E. Smith, August 31, 1924 – June 4, 2006

Legendary southern comedian Fred E. Smith passed away June 4th from liver cancer. He died at his daughter’s home in Maryville, Tennessee surrounded by his family.

Fred was born in Marshall, North Carolina on August 31, 1924 to Ballard and Pearl Smith. He lived a full and exciting life as a comedian and musician working with such greats as Woody Guthrie, Burl Ives, Archie Campbell, Red Rector, Boots Randolph, Grandpa Jones, Kenny Baker, Jimmy Martin and many other top entertainers. He had impeccable timing when it came to his comedy, he was one of the best. He had performed on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry several times, toured the United States with his cousin Red Rector and in the 1940s was part of the famous recording “The Old Chisholm Trail” with Woody Guthrie, Burl Ives, the Coon Creek Girls and others.

Fred was the last of the “old school” southern comedians. He worked the last few years of his career in Pigeon Forge at the Comedy Barn and released a comedy CD in 2005 titled “Tales From A‘way Down Yonder”. He was in rather good health until the last month of his life. Even within days of his death he was still telling jokes to his friends and family in the Fred E. Smith style. Fred is survived by 6 children and thousands of fans.

His family will receive friends Tuesday evening June 6th from 5:30 pm until 7:30 pm at Smith Mortuary, 1402 Tuckaleechee Pike in Maryville, TN. Funeral service will be at 7:30 pm. Interment in mausoleum will be Wednesday morning June 7th at 11:00 am at Grandview Cemetery 2304 Tuckaleechee Pike in Maryville, TN.

In lieu of flowers, family is asking that donations be made to:
Blount Memorial Foundation/Hospice
907 East Lamar Alexander Parkway
Maryville, TN 37804

Click here to read a biography of Fred E. Smith [0]