Curtis “Bubba” James Smith (1922-2015)

STRONG – Curtis “Bubba” James Smith, 92, went to be with God and his beloved heavenly family on the morning of May 20, 2015, with his loving family by his side.

He was born on Nov. 18, 1922 in Freeman to Fred and Shirley (Savage) Smith. He was the next to the youngest of a family of 10 children. It was a poor and rough life but the children helped each other through the tough times . Curt graduated from Phillips High School in the class of 1942. He was a very talented athlete, especially in basketball and baseball.

On March 11, 1944, Curt married Pearl Richardson in Strong. Curt worked his life in the woods as a lumberman. His children remember how he would load the wood truck with just his birch hook. Local lore says that Curt could cut more wood with a bucksaw than most men could cut with new chain saws. Curt was a hard working man who made every move count. During World War II, he was unable to serve in the armed forces because of physical issues which greatly disappointed him. He did receive a flag and certificate for being one of those cutting the most wood for the home front effort.

During the ’70s Curt worked at his daughter Simone’s nursing home. Again he excelled at this, especially taking time each day to visit the patients. Curt’s love of sports has carried through three generations of his family. This includes years on the horseshoe circuit with his daughters. Many, many memories were made while training and competing with horses. Curt had a passion in life (beside his family which came first) for deer hunting. He became a local legend for his knowledge and skill at this and took home the trophy at the local contest for the biggest buck on a regular basis. He taught many young men to hunt but was especially proud of training his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He continued to make new friends at deer camp when his grandson and the group came up yearly. He was always going to get that “last deer” which didn’t happen but everyone enjoyed listening to his stories of hunting around the campfire. Curt also loved horses, baby rabbits, touring Tory Hill with his family, cruising his woodlot and farm, fishing, gardening and visiting with relatives and friends.

Curt’s greatest love in life was his family. Each and every one of them meant the world to him. He will be especially missed by his wife of 71 years, Pearl Richardson Smith. Pearl said that Curt was the most wonderful and greatest man in the world. They had four children together, who he loved and dedicated his life to. He never failed them, always having pride in them no matter what, showing them nothing but unconditional love.

His daughters Simone Bailey, Michaele Farnsworth, and Sue Ellsworth; his son, Daniel Enman; his daughter in-law, Darlene Enman; and his son in-law, Perry Ellsworth, will all miss his presence. To the next generation of grandchildren, he was known as “Bubba.” He was more than just a grandfather, acting as a father from time to time. He was the one that they went to with their troubles. He taught them all to hunt, fish, play baseball and basketball, spending hours and hours at the gym with them. He taught them to be honest, hard working and loving people.

They include, Jammie, Barbara, Randy, Troy, Leslie, Dani, Kirby and Daron. They returned his love tenfold. Now came his final adventure, the next generation of great grandchildren. Never losing his love for children, he carried the same love and pride in each of them. Due to failing health, he could not make many of their games, but was always asking them, “How did it go?” He leaves Tyler, Shawntel, Devin, Sierra, Brooke-lyn, Dana, Kaitlyn, Dakota, Alora, Summer, Aspen and Chase.

Curt had many happy and sad stories to tell of his adventures with his family. All his life, he held a deep love for them and for each of his nieces and nephews on both sides of the family. Curt never asked for anything but the love of his family. He loved intently and forever. Gone from our lives is a hard man to live up to. He was our hero, our legend, and the strength that held us together as a family. The world is forever changed and we will miss him forever as a husband, Dad, “Bubba,” uncle and friend.

“We will see you again.”

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Caccamo, Dawn and staff for 14 years of care that prolonged his life with loving care. Also to caregivers, Crystal, Paula, Tosha, Lynette, Charlene and Taron.

Donations in Curt’s memory may be made to his favorite charity (which he helped build) in the memory of a young friend, the Lance Corporal Scott Paul Memorial Park, c/o Strong Town Office, 14 South Main St., PO Box 263, Strong, ME 04983.

A Memorial of Life will be held on Sunday, June 28, 2015 at 2 pm at his home on Lambert Hill Road in Strong. Bring your memories. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, 488 Farmington Falls Rd., Farmington, ME 04938.