Frederick H. Smedley, Jr.

Frederick H. Smedley Jr., 100, died peacefully Monday morning under the care of Masonic Homes, Elizabeth-town. Born and raised in Columbia, he is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Elizabeth R. Smedley. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Ruth McCachren Smedley, his son Frederick H. “Chip” Smedley III (Kelly), Lancaster, and his sister Harriet S. Smedley. He is survived by two daughters, Annette H. Coffman (Robert), Mechanicsburg, and Suzanne R. Henninger, Pottstown, seven grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren.

The son of the late Frederick H. Smedley Sr. and Sara S. Smedley, he was born Sept. 15, 1914. A life-long educator and scholar, Smedley was a graduate of Columbia High School, Millersville Teachers College and Temple University. He began his teaching career in 1935 in a one-room schoolhouse in Deodate and retired in 1980 after 41 years as director of elementary education for Hempfield School District. He served as a captain in the U.S. Army during World War II and also found time to help run the family business, The New Era Overall Company, Columbia.

Smedley was a member of the Columbia United Methodist Church and served for eight years as treasurer of the board of directors for the Lancaster County Solid Waste Management Authority. He also served on the Columbia School Board following his retirement as well as the board of directors for the Lancaster-Lebanon Intermediate Unit 13.

A graveside service will be held at Laurel Hill Cemetery, Columbia, on Friday, Sept. 4, at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to the Columbia United Methodist Church, 510 Walnut St., Columbia, PA 17512. Arrangements have been entrusted to Smedley-Finkenbinder Funeral Home & Crematory.

Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.smedleyfuneralhome.com