Edward (Eddie) Franklin Smith Sr. started his journey on June 21, 1925 after being born under a pecan tree to his mother Maggie Smith (Pough). He was raised surrounded by family on his grandparents Henry (d.)and Estelle(d) Smith's farm in Privateer, SC. Eddie was baptized at Bethel Baptist Church at an early age.

As a young man in 1943, Eddie moved to Boston, MA. In Boston he worked as a clothes Presser and shot pool semi-professionally. Daddy had his only 3 children Edward "Buzzy" F. Smith Jr of Sumter, SC, Peggy Denise Ward (Phillip Stone) of Pittsburgh, PA, and Phyllis Serena Smith (Charles) Gunn of Augusta, GA. "Steppie" as he was affectionately called by his Stepchildren Daniel (d.), Debra, Donald, Donna (d.), Frieda, Cynthia, Jerrilyn, Jay and Darrell whom he helped mentor, loved and called family.

He moved to Brooklyn, NY in 1960 where he was introduced (by his sister Francis (d.) (William (d.)) Martin) to his loving wife of more than 50 years Doris (d.). He owned and operated his dry cleaning business in Bronx, NY and drove a yellow cab for 12 years. Cousin Eddie would personally deliver clothes while visiting cousins all over NY, Staten Island and New Jersey where he was well known as a family man and favorite cousin. He was instrumental in organizing the first family reunion in 1975 and had attended and actively participated in every family reunion and often was called on to know every family member's name and/or affiliation. Brother Smith was a Godly man ordained as a Deacon under Rev. John Scott at St. John Baptist Church in Bronx, NY in 1978. Brother Smith was active in the Prince Hall Masonic Grand Lodge as a degree mason. Always the entrepreneur, he reached diamond status selling Amway and later Herbalife products. He became a locksmith and a videographer. Education was important to Eddie, after suffering a stroke in New York in 1990 he relearned to read and write and declared that the "city was no place for an old man".

In 1992, Eddie Smith retired as a bus driver from the New York City School System and returned home to Sumter, SC. Always putting the Lord first, he joined Jehovah Missionary Baptist Church. Never one to sit down when not actively participating in the church, Brother Smith volunteered at Tuomey Hospital, worked out daily at Shirley G Baker Senior Center, opened ESS Locksmith business, and was a videographer for family and church events. Brother Smith surrounded himself with God, family and friends and could always be called on for family news and for visits whenever you came to Sumter. He was loved for his wisdom, sense of humor and firm handshake.
After the death of his wife Doris (Dot) Smith in 2018, Uncle Eddie moved with his daughter Peggy, closer to his sister, Julia Emma (Clarence (d).) McFadden of Irwin, PA, nephews Clarence (Karen) McFadden, Leonard McFadden of Pittsburgh, PA, Rahim McFadden of Ohio and niece Deborah (Robert) Lane of Washington DC.

After a long life, God showed him mercy and peacefully accepted him home on November 11, 2020 at his daughter's home in Pittsburgh, PA. He leaves a legacy of 3 children, 14 grandchildren: Loreen Robinson and Sherel Darget Gunn Augusta GA, Rahshando "Roscoe" (Devon) Gunn, Charles Ramone (Nadine) Gunn, Atlanta, GA, Chantal S. Gunn Beaufort, SC, Keith T. Stone Baltimore, MD, Edward P. Stone Holyoke, MA, Denise-Nicole Stone, Pittsburgh, PA, Bernard Baker of Breesport NY, Wavetta "Boobie" and Edward "Man" Baker NYC Kevin Brown and Kareem J. Brown (d.) NYC, and Jamel (Alexis) Brown of Charlotte, NC. 19 great, grandchildren: Shakwan Moné, Shanice, Xavier, Desean, Rahshando Jr., Ricardo, Reginald, Rylee, Roman, Javell, Nyaja, Chantel, Kenny, Faith, Jamel Jr., Jah-m̀ir, Destiny, Destini, and Nevaeh. 8 great, great, grandchildren and a host of cousins and friends.

Job's Mortuary, Inc., 312 South Main Street, Sumter is in charge of arrangements.