Raymond Harry 'Big Apple' Smack Jr., 78

BRIDGEVILLE - On Monday, Feb. 4, 2008, the Lord called his servant, Raymond Harry "Big Apple" Smack Sr., home to rest. Mr. Smack was 78 years of age and passed away of natural causes at Lifecare of Lofland Center, Seaford.

Big Apple was born April 22, 1929, in Bridgeville, to the late Howard (Guffy) and Minnie Smack.

He received his education in the Bridgeville Colored School District.

In his earlier years, he worked for Ralph and Paul Adams at the Rapa Scrapple Co.

Big Apple was not content working for others, and through his sense of drive and determination and with the help and support of his wife, Frances Smith Smack, he founded Raymond Smack and Son, Solid Waste Disposal Co. His company was one of the most successful minority-owned businesses in Sussex County for many years. Nothing pleased him more than when his only son was born to change the name of his business from Raymond Smack to Raymond Smack and Son.

On June 17, 1949, Raymond accomplished another milestone in his life. This was being united in holy matrimony to Frances Smith of Bridgeville. The couple enjoyed and treasured 58 years of marriage, and from their union four children were born.

Mr. Smack accepted the Lord as his personal Savior in 1985 at Williams Chapel Church, Bridgeville, under the pastorship of the late Pastor Charles W. Smith Sr. During his walk with Christ, he joined Williams Chapel Church, where he became a member of the male choir, as well as a faithful trustee, currently under the pastorship of Pastor Charles W. Smith Jr.

Big Apple loved to go camping in his RV and campers, especially traveling to Florida and Virginia to set up camp.

Family was ever so important to Mr. Smack, and he was a wonderful provider to them.

He also enjoyed sitting on the front porch of his home with his wife, and watching and waving to cars as they passed.

Above all else, he would do anything for anybody.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by five brothers, Martin, Charlie, Paul, Elmer and Stephen Smack; a sister, Edna Worthy; a granddaughter, Theresa M. Maker; and two brothers-in-law, Clemon "Lee" Smith and Clarence Smith.

Mr. Smack leaves to cherish precious memories his wife, Frances V. Smack of Bridgeville; one son, Raymond "Little Raymond" (Allison) Smack Jr. of Greenwood; four daughters, Gloria (Bert) Gardner of Milton, Anna Rosie Smack-Thomas of Bridgeville, Christine S. McCray of Columbia, Md., and Minister Nadine Smack of Bridgeville; four brothers, Walter (Ella) Smack, Ralph (Willa Margaret) Smack, Donald (Sharon) Smack and Michael "Mookie" (Cyndee) Smack, all of Bridgeville; one sister, Suzy Perry of Dover; four brothers-in-law, Walton "Jackie" Smith of Seaford, Robert "Sonny" (Angeline) Smith of Bridgeville, Leon (Lorraine) Smith of Bridgeville and Charles Worthy Sr.; five sisters-in-law, Mary "Mercury" Smith of Bridgeville, Nettie Smith of Georgetown, Elizabeth Cornish of Bridgeville, Caldonia "Tiny" (Mervin) Hammond and Aretha "Baby Sis" Smith of Seaford; 13 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; one special friend, Elder Jeffery O. Nock Sr. and his wife Pastor Deborah E. Harris-Nock, whom he called his son and daughter; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Saturday at Williams Chapel Church, North Cannon Street, Bridgeville. Mr. Smack's daughter, Minister Nadine Smack, will deliver the eulogy.

Friends may call two hours prior to the funeral service at the church. A final viewing will be prior to the funeral service only.

Interment will be in Middleford Cemetery.

Professional services by Deborah E. Harris-Nock Funeral Services, Greenwood.