Painter in oil, self-taught with help from evening classes, born in the Thanet Union workhouse in Minster, Kent, brought up in The Manston Cottage Homes, Ramsgate. He was evacuated to the Midlands during World War II and eventually settled in Small Heath, Birmingham. Smith was in the Army and Royal Marines as a regular, 1946–53, including service in Palestine and Korea, then returned to work in Austin and Rover car factories. His wife and son were both schizophrenic, she dying from overdosing of lithium, the son committing suicide. In 1976 Smith decided that the only way to cope with the traumas of his life was to paint his experiences. Over 400 meticulously detailed pictures, which had a primitive earthy humour and vigour, resulted. He donated much of his output to Kent County Council.