Earl Sherman "Snuffy" Smith's Obituary
In Loving Memory of Earl Sherman “Snuffy” Smith
Snuffy passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday morning, May 19, 2026. He was the son of the late Earl and Edith Mae Ketterman Smith of Dagsboro, Delaware, formerly of Showell, Maryland.
He is survived by his wife of more than 60 years, Berta Ward Smith; his sons, Scott Smith (Rae) of Millsboro and Todd Smith (Stacy) of Bethel; four grandsons, Joshua Bailey (Kate), Ryan Smith (Kassie), Christopher Bailey (Patty), and Jack Smith; two great-grandsons, Nathan and Austin Bailey; two great-granddaughters, Blaire Bailey and Caroline Smith; his sisters, Joyce Daisey and Betty West (Fred); his brother-in-law, Don Ward (Anne); his sister-in-law, Janet Smith; many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends. He was predeceased by his brother, Barry Marshall Smith.
Snuffy devoted much of his life to serving his community. He served with the Dagsboro and Frankford fire companies before joining the Gumboro Volunteer Fire Company in 1970. He also volunteered at Beebe Hospital Emergency Department, served for a time as a Millsboro town police officer, and was appointed a Delaware State Fire Policeman in 1994. At Gumboro, he served in many roles, including president for more than 18 years, and in 2016 was elected Sussex County Fire Police President.
He was a longtime member of Carey’s Church, where he served as a trustee and was widely known as the chief cook for the church’s chicken and dumplings dinners. He was also a member of Franklin Masonic Lodge #12, the Millsboro Jaycees, and the Delaware Mobile Fisherman’s Club and Team, and in 1987 won Delaware’s first Longest Surf Caster title.
Snuffy also enjoyed stock car racing and spent many years driving the red No. 31 and flagging races at local tracks. One of his greatest joys was helping Santa Claus for 45 years, bringing smiles to children at schools, churches, organizations, homes, and private parties throughout Delaware and Maryland.
He retired after 38 years with Delmarva Power/Connectiv, working at Indian River, Salisbury, and Millsboro. In his free time, he enjoyed spending time with family, hunting, fishing, making lures, vacationing at Cape Hatteras, watching westerns, and playing cards with friends.
The family extends special thanks to his caregivers and to Delaware Hospice for their compassion and support. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Carey’s Church, c/o Josephine Dorey, 22750 Carey’s Camp Road, Millsboro, DE 19966, or to Gumboro Volunteer Fire Company, 37030 Millsboro Highway, Millsboro, DE 19966.
A funeral service officiated by Pastor Leza Smack will be held at the Gumboro Volunteer Fire Company, 37030 Millsboro Hwy, Millsboro, DE 19966, on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at 3:00PM with a viewing from 1:00PM to 3:00PM prior to the start of the service.
Please visit Snuffy's Life Memorial at https://www.watsonfh.com
What’s your fondest memory of Earl?
What’s a lesson you learned from Earl?
Share a story where Earl's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Earl you’ll never forget.
How did Earl make you smile?