Darrel Samuel Smith

Darrel Smith, age 78, passed away on Thursday, August 14, 2025 in Sebring, Florida surrounded by family. He was born on May 13, 1947 in Ashtabula. Ohio to Elliot and Jean Smith. Darrel married his high school sweetheart Candy York.  Darrel attended Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, NY and Ohio University in Athens, Ohio with degrees in Photography. Darrel was a professional photographer owning his own studios in Ohio and Florida, specializing in portraits and wedding photography.  Darrel owned Frames and Images in Sebring. He was very involved in the Highlands County Community with Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis Club, Rotary Club of Highlands County, Friends of Highlands Hammock, Highlands Peddlers, He was a Co-Founder of the Judge Clifton Kelly Golf Tournament, Co-Founder of Bike Sebring, and many other organizations.  When he retired from Frames and Images in Sebring in 2003 he became a Park Ranger and the Florida State CCC Museum Curator at Highland Hammock State Park in Sebring, Florida.  Darrel also was an interpreter and reenactor of the CCC Boys, He was known as “The CCC Man”. He did his interpreting at several different CCC State Parks in Florida and for other groups throughout Florida to keep this history alive.  Darrel is survived by his loving wife, Candy Smith, children, Vicki Jarvis, Greg Smith (Traci), his grandchildren, Chris Friend, Michael Friend, Kaitlyn Smith, Drew Smith. His sisters MaryEllen Mock (Rick), Kathy Taylor (Ed) and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his Father (Elliot), his Mother (Jean) and Sister (Sandra).  A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Donations may be made to Good Shepherd Hospice, Friends of Highlands Hammock in Darrel’s name.

Arrangements entrusted to
Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home
Sebring, Florida
Online condolences may be left at
www.stephensonnelsonfh.com