Fred Smothermon, 80

Fred Smothermon, 80 years old, passed away peacefully on July 5, 2015, surrounded by family at his side. He was an amazing husband, brother, dad and poppa.

Fred was a fun-loving person who never missed an opportunity to tease someone or make them laugh. He always got the last word or jab, then would give you a big ol' smile that would melt your heart.

Fred loved the game of golf and was an avid golfer. He didn't start playing golf until later in life, but it became his passion. He achieved many accolades in tournament play including winning many tournaments in the men's league. He also won and placed in many other tournaments playing with son Brad. His proudest moment in the game was when he was 74 years old and he shot his age with a round of 73. He also had two hole-in-ones at Avondale. The last hole in one was just last year at the age of 79, and it was reported on last year by Kerri Thoreson in the Cd'A Press. Both hole-in-ones were on his home course, Avondale, where he lived for 20 years.

Fred's adorable, mischievous smile brought happiness to many. He will be missed by his many friends and buddies at the course. The golf course paid tribute to Fred by lowering their flag to half staff on Monday to honor him.

Fred was raised in Porterville, Calif., where he met the love of his life, Vi. They married very young and raised two children, son Brad Smothermon and daughter Cheryl Smothermon Freeman. He had one grandchild, Shannon Smothermon.

Fred was a hard working man with a strong work ethic who worked as a roofer, then as the superintendent at Whitcomb Roofing. In his younger years he loved to camp and ride motorcycles with his cousins, friends and brothers in their RVs. He also enjoyed hunting year after year with his buddies, laughing and swapping stories around the campfire. He had many good times with Vi, friends and family on his boat on Lake Success fishing, swimming and water skiing. He was good at any sport he tried. He loved playing cards, poker and games of any kind. If you were with Fred doing any of these things you would be laughing with him.

Fred was preceded in death by his father, mother, wife and four brothers. He still has one surviving brother, Bob, who lives in Orange, Calif., and sisters-in-law Edyth Lamb and Pauline Smothermon; son-in-law Kenny Freeman and Brad's girlfriend, Michele Marks.

Fred loved his granddaughter, Shannon, with all of his heart. He was an uncle and cousin to many. He lived a good life and was ready to go be with his soul mate, Violet.

There will be no service at his request. We will all miss him dearly. He had a well played life.

Fred is now in heaven making everyone laugh and living happily ever after with Vi.