LOWVILLE, NY — Wayne Smith, 76, of Sunset Drive, Lowville, passed away Saturday morning, June 8, 2019, at Upstate Hospital, Community Campus, Syracuse, with his loved ones at his side.
Wayne was born on September 2, 1942 in Carthage, NY, a son of the late William H. and Hilda M. Petrie Smith. He attended Carthage Central School, and worked on area farms before going to work for AMF, Lowville.
On Sept. 14, 1963, he married Ramona Dimock at Trinity Episcopal Church, Great Bend. Wayne worked for AMF for 45 ½ years, retiring in January 2006 as Supervisor and Purchasing Agent. After retiring from AMF, Wayne did carpentry work with Rick Bush for two years, and then worked for Essenlohr Motors for five years, detailing cars.
He was a member of the BPOE #1605, Lowville Lodge. He was a past honorary fireman with the Lowville Fire Department and Wolverines Drill Team. He was drillmaster for many years with the Lowville Fire Department, and enjoyed marching in the parades. He raced snowmobiles for AMF. Wayne raced open wheel modified race cars at the Evans Mills Speedway and Watertown Speedway, Fulton and Rome Speedways for several years. Later, he was a pace car driver for the Adirondack Speedway, making it interesting for the crowd.
Wayne was an avid race fan and hunter. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time watching his grandchildren play sports and seeing his great-grandchildren. He thought the world of all of them.
Wayne is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Ramona; two children and their spouses, Brian and Julie Smith of New Bremen, Dianna and Timothy Bush of New Bremen; six grandchildren Melissa and Troy Hirschey of Croghan; Kylie and Jeffrey Byrne of Saratoga; Derek Smith and Brittany Pierce of New Washington, IN; Amber Tuttle of Lowville; Megan Bush and Brandon Smith of Watson; Charles Bush of New Bremen; Great-grandchildren Karson, Kameron, Jordan, Korlyn, Madison and Jeffrey; his siblings and their spouses, Barbara and Bernard Bush of Lowville; James and LouAnn Smith of West Carthage; Linda Smith-Spencer of Carthage; Paul and Diane Smith of Carthage; several nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was predeceased by two brothers, Loren I. and Warren H. Smith, and a brother-in-law, Ronald Spencer.
In keeping with Wayne’s wishes, there will be no calling hours or funeral service. A celebration of life will be held from 12 to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 30, at the Lowville Fire Department. All are welcome.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Lowville Volunteer Fire Department P.O. Box 81, Lowville, NY.
Arrangements are with Iseneker Funeral Home, Inc., Lowville.
Condolences may be made online at www.isenekerfuneralhome.com.
