Frank Van Syckle Smith, Jr.

Frank Van Sycle Smith, Jr. 94, a resident of Winston-Salem, NC entered into eternal rest on October 22, 2024 at Brookridge Retirement Community. He was born on September 18, 1930 in Kansas City, MO to Frank V and Florence Spille Smith. He was raised in Hempstead, NY and graduated from Lafayette College with an engineering degree. Frank served as a US Navy Lieutenant aboard the destroyer USS Cushing during the Korean War. After his military service, he joined Clevite Corporation in Cleveland OH in the automotive bearing and rubber products divisions. As head of bearing operations for Lipe Rollway Corporation in Syracuse, NY, Frank was responsible for building a bearing manufacturing operation in Ploesti, Romania and setting up a sales network throughout Europe. In 1981 he bought Griffin Environmental Co. in Syracuse, NY. Frank was a lifelong birding enthusiast and supporter of the Boy Scouts of America. He loved, attended, and supported classical music and symphony orchestras wherever he lived. Being in the outdoors was a natural part of Frank’s life. Frank and Jan’s journey together began with camping on their honeymoon and continued with years of family camping trips. They cherished their 25 year tradition of camping, canoeing and exploring the lakes and rivers of the Adirondack Mountains and the Canadian Wilderness with dear friends. No matter where his children’s interests went, he encouraged and supported them every step of the way. He was a true family man. He was a member of Clemmons Presbyterian Church.

Frank is survived by his wife of 71 years, Janet Jensen Smith; children, Audrey Fletcher of Syracuse, NY, Valerie Grimshaw (Scott) of Greenville, SC, Carey Smith of Lewisville, NC, Randall Smith (Leyvianna) of Round Rock, TX and daughter-in-law, Debra Smith of Des Moines, IA; grandchildren, are Phillip Grimshaw (Taylor), Marley Janicke (Justin), Arianna DeLong (Rudi), Nicholas Smith, and Courtney Smith; great-grandchildren, Alice Lorraine, Jack, and Annie; and brother, Gary Charles Smith.

A memorial service will be held Friday, November 15, at 2:00PM at Clemmons Presbyterian Church, 3930 Clemmons Road, Clemmons, NC 27012.

In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to Shriners Hospital for Children, PO Box 1525, Ranson, WV 25438 donorrelations@shrinenet.org or to any charity of your choice. 

The family is deeply grateful for the loving and respectful care Frank received from the Health Center staff at Brookridge. 

The Smith family is being assisted by Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel. Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com.