Deric Smith, 61, of Ventura passed away due to complications from cancer on November 25, 2023 while surrounded by his loving family. Deric was born on November 28, 1961, in Ashland, Ohio to Bill and Annette Smith. Deric and his family moved several times during his childhood and moved to Ventura in 1976. He graduated from Ventura High School in 1979.
Deric spent almost 40 years working in the roofing supply industry, where he enjoyed sharing his expertise with colleagues, homeowners, and contractors. In 2021, he retired due to health issues.
Deric met the love of his life, Carol Bitner, in 1982, and they married in 1985. In their 38 years of marriage, Deric and Carol became loving parents to three sons and doting grandparents to three grandchildren.
Deric was a kind, generous, and friendly person. He had the distinctive ability to add a little spark of joy and laughter to anyone’s day. It is these moments that will be missed most by those who knew and loved him.
Deric had various hobbies beyond his professional life that brought him happiness. He enjoyed bowling, fishing, golfing, and NASCAR trips with his wife and family. He and Carol enjoyed many NASCAR trips over the years. His last trip was to the 2023 Daytona 500, where he was able to see his favorite driver, Jimmy Johnson, one last time. Deric was also a devoted Dodgers fan and loved going to games and watching them on TV. Whether at home or in the stands, he loved supporting his team in his Dodger blue.
Family was very important to Deric. He spoke often of how proud he was of the men his sons had become, and he loved spending time with them and his grandchildren. Deric was an involved father, and as his sons grew up, he volunteered as an umpire for Little League games, served as the assistant manager for their sports teams, and coached their Junior Golf League teams. He treasured family trips to SeaWorld, Disneyland, Disney World, and Hawaii, as well as camping trips where he taught his boys to fish and start campfires. All of these adventures created lasting memories for Deric’s family.
Deric is survived by his wife Carol; sons Bryan (Danielle), Brett (Leah), and Robert (Glen); and grandchildren Max, Astrid, and Everett Smith. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Annette, and brothers, Chip and Guy.
The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the doctors and nurses at Community Memorial Hospital and UCLA Health for their care and compassion during Deric’s last months.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation may be made to the American Cancer Society or Community Memorial Foundation.
A celebration of Deric’s life will be held at a later date.
Arrangements are under the direction of the JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, Ventura.