The OAM is a medal that recognises Australian citizens and other persons for achievement or meritorious service.

Originally, Mr Smith grew up in Melbourne and Sydney before moving to Port Macquarie 25 years ago and then to the Kempsey area.

Mr Smith's son, Adrian, nominated him around 12 to 18 months ago and said this recognition was well deserved.

"It's fantastic, when I nominated him he said they give them out to people who have done a lot more," Adrian told the Argus.

"I told him he'd done a lot and fortunately he was advised of his award a couple of weeks before his passing and was extremely grateful.

"Our whole family are very proud of this achievement."

Mr Smith had a distinguished career with the Confederation of Australian Motorsport (now Motorsport Australia).

He served as Chairman of the State Tribunal from April 1972 to November 1994, former secretary of Victorian Amateur Drivers and was Clerk of the Course at Sandown Motor Raceway.

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Mr Smith was also a recipient of a Service Star from the Confederation of Australian Motorsport in 2014.

His move to the Port Macquarie area 25 years ago saw him serve as Treasurer of the Kew Bowling Club and Assistant Treasurer of Camden Haven Golf Club.

Mr Smith met his second partner Nola Turnbull before 2000 when he was involved with State and Regional Development while Nola was owner of Fredo Pies.

A move to Kempsey in 2011 saw Mr Smith take up positions such as Secretary of Kempsey Heights Bowls Club and Assistant Treasurer of Kempsey RSL Bowls Club.

Along with these roles he was heavily involved in the Kempsey Men's Shed - acting as a committee member and computer tutor by teaching elderly citizens basic computer skills, how to use a smartphone and internet banking, until his passing.

"He was a very good man, a caring person who treated everyone equally," Nola told the Argus.