Thaddeus "Jiggs" Lowell Smith

Jiggs was born in Hanford, California on December 9, 1930 to Thaddeus and Veda Smith. He attended local elementary schools and Hanford High School. At the age of 17, Jiggs entered the United States Navy, serving stateside for three years. On May 31, 1958 he married Nelda Usher in Reno, Nevada and they have made their home in Hanford for 52 years. Jiggs was a Truck driver for 45 years, working last for Fruehauf Trucking in Fresno, California and retiring in 1991. He enjoyed the many hours spent in his truck and the many hours of maintenance to include putting chrome on it. He had attended First Christian Church. Jiggs enjoyed watching sports: baseball with the Giants and Dodgers or any California team and football. Following his retirement, Jiggs enjoyed being at home beside the pool, having BBQ’s, gardening or just being with his family. His sons, Daniel and James express that he was a giant of man with a kind and loving heart. Jiggs will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thaddeus and Veda and his brother, Darrell Lee.

Jiggs is survived by his loving wife, Nelda of Hanford, CA; two loving sons, Daniel and wife, Cindy and James and companion, Bernadine, all of Hanford, CA; three sisters, Elizabeth Gilbert of Hanford, Marilyn Works of Indianapolis, IN, and Allison Collins of Oregon; four grandchildren, Michelle Ann Smith of Oregon, Ashley Collette Smith of Fresno, James Odell Smith and Waylon Kyle Smith, both of Hanford, CA; two great grandchildren, Pirate Smith and Payden Hawkins.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, August 21, 2010 at 1 p.m. at People’s Funeral Chapel, 501 N. Douty Street in Hanford, CA.

Condolences may be offered at www.peoplesfuneralchapel.com.

Arrangements entrusted to People’s Funeral Chapel, 501 N. Douty St., Hanford, CA 93230 (5590 584-5591.