Chad Hubert Smith

Chad Hubert Smith, 85, passed away on April 15, 2022, in Santa Maria, CA.

Chad was born February 1937. He graduated from Watsonville High School in 1955 and served in the U.S. Naval Reserve after graduation. He went on to attend college at the University of Arizona. He later married his high school sweetheart, Martha Lou Cowles in 1960.

Following college, Chad went on and pursued a career in the agriculture industry. His late father Jere Smith was a lettuce grower in the Watsonville Valley. Chad became a produce buyer for many years with Safeway supermarkets traveling up and down the western states following many different crops and seasons. After leaving Safeway, Chad and his family moved to the Santa Maria Valley in the early 70's where he was the sales manager for Romar Carrot Company in Guadalupe, CA. He then moved to Byrd Produce where he was the sales manager and later became an owner. Chad's career in the produce industry spanned over 55 years.

Chad was an active member in the Produce Community. He was a member of the California Lettuce Commission and was affiliated with many other produce associations. Chad was a longtime board member for Primus Labs in Santa Maria, CA. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed reading, and watching sports. He especially enjoyed the time with his lunch bunch crew rolling dice and sharing stories. But most importantly to him, he enjoyed spending time with his grandkids and family.

Chad is survived by his only daughter, Stephanie Zarate and husband Edward Zarate of Nipomo, CA, grandchildren Nicholas Zarate and Kaitlin Zarate of Nipomo, CA; Chad's sister Jere Ann Hall of Savannah, GA, nieces Molly Stampher and husband Joe Stampher, and Susan Weeden and husband Bob Weeden, from Savannah, GA; Chad's cousin Mark Pista and wife Carol Pista of Watsonville, CA, and stepbrother Frank Costella of Santa Cruz, CA.

Chad was preceded in death by his parents Jere Smith and Beth Smith Costella, brother Christopher Smith, and beloved wife Martha Lou Cowles Smith.

Chad will be greatly missed by all his family and friends.

Published in The Pajaronian · May 6, 2022