Old Orchard Beach, ME – Roger D. Smith Jr. peacefully passed away at his home in Old Orchard Beach, Maine on February 10, 2022 with his loving wife Mindy, his three children and his dog Wigan at his side.

Roger D. Smith Jr, died at age 83 on Feb. 10, 2022. Photo courtesy of Hobbs Funeral Home.

Roger was born July 21, 1938 in Hampden Highlands, Maine to Jan Gilbert Stearns and Roger D. Smith.  Roger attended St. George’s School in Newport, Rhode Island and Fenn School in Concord, Massachusetts and graduated from Bangor High School.  After graduation he joined the U.S. Air Force serving as air traffic controller for four years.  Roger had a lifelong dedication to both Standardbred and Thoroughbred horse racing, serving in many capacities as an official and in management for over 50 years.

Roger is survived by his wife Mindy Fitzgerald Smith, daughter Debra Ricker (Jim) of Newport, Maine, sons David Smith of Waldoboro, Maine and Aaron Smith of St. Louis, Missouri, three grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Roger will be buried in a private ceremony at his special place in Sweden, Maine.

Condolences may be expressed online at: www.hobbsfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Heading for Home, Racehorse Retraining/Adoption Center, PO Box 810, Saratoga Springs NY 12866.