LEEDS – Wallace John Smith, Sr., 68, of Leeds, passed away Monday, Dec. 15, at his home, after a long illness.

He was born Aug. 31, 1940, in New Sharon, to Flora (Harris) and Owen W. Smith. He left home at 12 years of age to live and work on Stangers Farm in New Sharon, in order to attend high school. He graduated in 1958, and married Rosalie Jean Monk in October 1960.

After graduation, he worked for Naberta Farms in Turner. He remained there until a tragic fire took the farm in March 1971. He was then hired by Lawrence Caldwell of Caldwell Farms, where he was employed until his death.

He loved hunting, fishing, and snowmobiling. He also enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren play baseball.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years of Leeds; a sister, Marie Goodwin and her husband, Brian, of New Sharon; a brother, Phaniel Smith and his companion, Sherry Hines, of Madison; a son, Owen W. Smith II and his wife, Jennifer, of Buckfield; a son, Wallace J. Smith Jr. and his wife, Darlene, of Solon; a daughter, Carmen McGraw and her husband, Charles, of Indiana; a son, Anthony S. Smith and his fiancée, Nancy Morin, of Leeds; 12 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren;, and nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his mother, Flora Harris; his father, Owen Smith; and a brother-in-law, Norman Mosher.