WILTON — Sheridan S. Smith, 75, of West Farmington, passed away suddenly of natural causes Monday, Aug. 8, on his way home from spending a day with his fellow horsemen, a job he loved. “Special thanks to Bob Stevens for his friendship and dedication to Dad in his time of need during his illness.” — his girls.

He was born Jan. 11, 1936, in Lewiston, a son of Murray and Mary (Parker) Smith. He grew up in East Wilton, received his education in Wilton schools and completed his education in the U.S. Air Force. He was stationed in Altus, Okla., during his service time.

On May 18, 1957, he married Marjorie Stearns of East Dixfield. Sheridan was in the Air Force for four years. While in the service, he received the medal of honor for saving a buddy’s life. Sheridan joined the Farmington Police Department in 1963. Retiring after 28 years, he was chief for the last eight years. He then returned to work and served for 10 years at the UMF Police Department.

In 1963, he joined the Maine Harness Horsemans’ Association and held the positions of director, vice president and president over the next 40-plus years. His number one interest and love were horses. He drove and trained his first race when he was 15, a horse called Battlepatch, owned by his parents.

He was a member of the Farmington Elks Lodge, held a chair and was a past exalted ruler and a past district deputy grand exalted ruler. He coached the Elks Little League baseball for 8 years. He enjoyed fly fishing, which he learned from his supervisor of the Farmington Police Department, Ray Orr, on their annual fishing trips. He enjoyed 4-wheeling, snowmobiling, the Red Sox and cribbage.

He is survived by his three daughters, Sonia Fish and her husband, David, of Weld, Paula Smith of West Farmington and Rebecca Fortunato and her husband, Christopher, of Skowhegan; three grandchildren, Shain Smith and his wife, Jill, Megan Fortunato and Matthew Fortunato; three great-grandsons, Brenner, Teagan and Quinn; his sister, Gloria Cushing and her husband, Rick, of East Wilton; brothers, Albert Smith and his wife, Shannon, of East Wilton and Stanley of Georgia; and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents; and his beloved wife, Marjorie.

Tributes and condolences may be shared with his family on his memorial wall at www.wilesrc.com.