George R. Smith, 86 of Chester, NH, died Wednesday, May 18, 2005 in the Haven Health Center, Derry, NH following a lengthy illness. Mr. Smith was born in East Killingly, CT on January 11, 1919, a son of the late Ralph and Ellis (Chase) Smith. He was a resident of Chester for many years, formerly living in Merrimack, NH. Mr. Smith graduated from Putnam Technical School in Putnam, CT as a machinist in 1937. He was a member of the Governor’s Horse Guard in Hartford, CT. During WWII he served with the United States Army 574th Engineer Company in the European Theatre. Mr. Smith owned and operated Elm Street Flower Shop in Manchester, NH with his wife Violet for 18 years. He retired from Digital Equipment Corporation in 1985. With his wife, he traveled across the country twice in their motor home, settling in Florida for 10 years. They enjoyed boating, fishing and craft fairs. He loved sports and was an avid Red Sox Fan. Mr. Smith was a 50+ year member of the Masonic Lodge #113, A.F.&A.M. in Moosup, CT.
He is survived by a daughter, Kiki Smith Branley and her husband Kevin of Chester, three granddaughters, Cheryl MacDougall of Derry, NH, Lori Branley Fischer of Fort Washington, PA, Lisa Branley Castro of Bridgeport, CT, a grandson, Michael T. Branley of Chester and two great-grandsons. He was predeceased by his wife Violet (Boskovich) Smith in 2004 and by his daughter, Patricia MacDougall in 2001.
There are no calling hours. Following cremation, graveside services will be held on Tuesday, May 24th, 2005 at 11:00am in the Great Hill Cemetery, Chester. The Peabody Funeral Homes & Crematorium, 15 Birch Street, Derry is in charge of the arrangements. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Chester Congregational/Baptist Church, PO Box 306, Chester, NH 03036. >