from the USTA Communications Department

Columbus, OH — Sheridan S. Smith, 75, of West Farmington, Maine, died of natural causes on August 8, 2011, on his way home from spending a day with his fellow horsemen.

He was born Jan. 11, 1936, in Lewiston, a son of Murray and Mary (Parker) Smith. He grew up in East Wilton, received his education in Wilton schools and completed his education in the U.S. Air Force. He was stationed in Altus, Okla., during his service time.

On May 18, 1957, he married Marjorie Stearns of East Dixfield.

Mr. Smith was in the Air Force for four years. While in the service, he received the medal of honor for saving a buddy’s life. He joined the Farmington Police Department in 1963. Retiring after 28 years, he was chief for the last eight years. He then returned to work and served for 10 years at the UMF Police Department.

In 1963, he joined the Maine Harness Horsemen’s Association and held the positions of director, vice president and president over the next 40-plus years. His number one interest and love were horses. He drove and trained in his first race when he was 15, a horse called Battle Patch, owned by his parents.

He was a member of the Farmington Elks Lodge, held a chair and was a past exalted ruler and a past district deputy grand exalted ruler. He coached the Elks Little League baseball for eight years. He enjoyed fly fishing, which he learned from his supervisor of the Farmington Police Department, Ray Orr, on their annual fishing trips. He enjoyed 4-wheeling, snowmobiling, the Red Sox and cribbage.

He is survived by his daughters, Sonia (David) Fish, Paula and Rebecca (Christopher) Fortunato; grandchildren, Shain (Jill), Megan Fortunato and Matthew Fortunato; great-grandsons, Brenner, Teagan and Quinn; sister, Gloria (Rick) Cushing; brothers, Albert (Shannon) and Stanley; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife, Marjorie.