Orren Peter Smith, affectionately known to family and friends as “OP”, was born April 6, 1934, in Little Falls, New York to the late Orren Whitney Smith and Sue Cerasaro Smith. OP was called home by the Lord from Mobile, Alabama on November 25, 2022.

OP accomplished much during his 88 years on this earth. Immediately after graduating from Kingston High School, Kingston, New York, in 1952, OP joined the Army at age 18 and served proudly, especially in his roles involving bomb disposal. After his Honorable Discharge from the Army, OP earned his degree in Mechanical Technology in 1957 from the University of New York Agricultural and Technical Institute in Farmingdale, New York.

In the summer of 1956, in Old Lyme, Connecticut, OP met a beautiful young lady named Georgianna Olsen, known to her family and friends as Georgie. After a brief courtship and engagement, the two married in Old Lyme on November 29, 1959. OP and Georgie had two daughters, Renee and Michelle, and several beloved fur babies and grand-fur babies.

Upon graduation, OP joined an apprenticeship program at General Dynamics/Electric Boat in Groton, Connecticut, where he began his long career in drafting and pipe design. OP and his family moved south in 1984, where OP continued his work at Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Mississippi, until he retired. OP was always hardworking and honest. Proud of his own achievements, yet humble enough to own up to his mistakes, OP was not only a good worker, but a good leader and fierce advocate for workers’ rights.

OP’s faith in God grew strong over time, but most recently and importantly in his roles as a Bible study leader and an Elder at Overlook Presbyterian Church. Through his continuous reading, researching, examining, and teaching, he came to know The Lord and receive His grace, a grace that truly showed in OP’s sparkle and love of life.

Most of all OP enjoyed life in the good times, but even through the bad times. OP always remained positive in every situation. OP loved people and animals, he enjoyed volunteering, traveling, singing, dancing, writing poetry, and drawing. OP also loved food, especially a large bowl of ice cream or a good bowl of pasta!

OP was a sports fanatic. He enjoyed watching and playing all kinds of sports. OP played baseball, basketball, and his greatest sports love, golf. He was an active member of the Southern Seniors Golf Association in Mobile, Alabama, and served as its President for many years. OP’s love of sports also extended to football through his beloved Crimson Tide.

OP was preceded in death by his father, Orren Whitney Smith; his mother, Sue Cerasaro Smith; and his brother, Gary Smith.

OP is survived by his devoted wife, Georgianna Cecile Olsen Smith; daughters, Renee Marie Smith and Michelle Marie Smith Edwards and her husband, Jeffrey T. Edwards, who will cherish and adore him always; sister, Dolores Smith Warren; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who loved him in this world.

OP brought his idea of Pennies for God most recently to Providence Presbyterian Church.  The concept was simple, but effective — bring your spare change from the week to church and put it in a can at the back of the sanctuary. The collected coins would be used for the church’s missions. In memory of OP, please make any donations to Providence Presbyterian Church (Pennies for God), 2320 Schillinger Road South, Mobile, AL 36695.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, December 18, 2022, at 2pm at Providence Presbyterian Church, 2320 Schillinger Road South, Mobile Alabama 36695.

Expressions of condolence for the family may be made at www.hughesfh.com. Hughes Funeral Home, 26209 Pollard Road, Daphne, AL, is assisting the family.