Dean "Doc Retread" Smith died on Sunday, Oct. 28, at the age of 45. Smith was the president of Doc Retread Inc., a retread industry consultant company.
A native of Wales, Smith began his career in the U.K. His work took him to Jordan and in 1997 the United States. After working in New York City, he worked for McGriff Industries in Cullman, Ala., before moving to the Nashville, Tenn., area and working for Marangoni Tread North America Inc. as a trainer and equipment technician. He opened Doc Retread two years ago.
"Dean loved the industry," his wife, Cathie Smith, told moderntiredealer.com. "He lived it and breathed it. He loved it when things were great and he loved it when something was broken and he could fix it."
Smith's family is planning a memorial celebration of his life. Meanwhile, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Heart Association.
