Francis R Smelt

Francis Rhett Smelt, passed away Friday, May 2, 2025, at the age of 84, at DeLand Advent Hospital. He was born on March 21, 1941 in Dade City, Florida. His passing marks the loss of a deeply loved and admired husband, Father, Granddad, Brother, Uncle and Friend. He attended church at First Baptist Church of Pierson.

His father was a Methodist Minister which led to their family moving to different schools throughout his school years. His most cherished times were in White Sprigs, Florida where they lived for 4 years and then they moved to Seville, Florida which led to his future career in the Fern Business. He left Seville when in the 11th grade to attend Berry Academy, Mount Berry, Georgia where he graduated in 1960. While at Berry Academy he played on the basketball team, was president of Beta Club, president of Friendship Hall, Business Manager of the yearbook and voted Most Dependable. After graduating he returned to Seville and attended Daytona State College from 1960 to 1962. He then went to work for Atlantic Coast Line Railroad from 1962 to 1968. Then in 1968 he was elected Justice of the Peace in Volusia County. He was the  youngest Justice of the Peace ever elected in the State of Florida. He was the President of Justices of the Peace and Constables Association of Florida from 1968 to 1972. In 1972 he started Francis R. Smelt Leatherleaf where he worked hard and built a prosperous and successful fern business. He retired in 2019.

He was preceded in death by his parents Francis and Mary Smelt, his sister and brother-in-law Beverly and Don Davis, brother-in-law David Rowe, step son Sammy White, niece Libby Holbrook and great nephew Tyler Biggs.

He is survived by his wife Patricia Smelt, sons Rhett (Melody), Stephen (Jill), Tony (Jennifer), Jarrett, Daughter Julie Hagstrom (Erik), and step son Stephen ( Amanda) White, Grandchildren James, Heather, Marion, Sarah, Triston, Skylar, Sawyer, Khloe, Saylor, Reagan, and great granddaughter Scarlett.

Francis will be remembered as the heart of our family, a man whose strength, love, and guidance held us all together. His family was his greatest joy. He always said that grandkids were the fountain of youth and he loved spending time with them.

He will be deeply missed by all but we are thankful and blessed in knowing that he is now with Jesus and we will be with him again one day.

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