Harold Smith

Harold Smith was the youngest son born to the union of Henry and Charlene Smith in Macomb, Mississippi on September 21, 1943. Harold’s oldest brother Henry Jr. passed before he was born, but Harold was very close to his three sisters: Dorothy, Virgie Jean and Evelean. He was well loved growing up in Mississippi with a large extended family of aunt, uncles and cousins who he adored. Harold was a believer and committed his life to Jesus Christ at an early age. As a young man, he was smart and athletic, attending high school and playing sports at Eva Gordon HS in Magnolia, Mississippi, where he graduated in 1961. Harold joined the United States Navy in 1967 after attending school at Alcorn University in Mississippi. He was a proud Veteran and always expressed fond memories of serving his country and his journeys around the world as a Navy man. After his service, he relocated to Chicago and completed his bachelor’s degree at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Harold served as a railroad police officer for the Milwaukee Railroad. He later found his passion for serving others as a special education teacher in the Chicago Public School system for more than 30 years. As a male teacher, Harold made a huge impact on his students and community. In conjunction with teaching, Harold was a hardworking United States Postal employee for many years before retiring from both full-time careers at the age of 62. Harold took great pride in his family, who are all a reflection of his love and steadfast direction. He deeply loved his family and was a devoted father and provider for his three children: Erika, Jocelyn and Wendell. As a young, divorced father, he made great sacrifices to raise his children, teaching strong values of family, faith, hard work and education. Harold’s greatest joy was being together as a family with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren whom he left an indelible mark as the strong and proud patriarch of the family. In addition to his focus on work and family, Harold was a committed leader, serving as the President of the Men’s Fellowship in the early years of Trinity United Church of Christ. Harold was known for his jovial smile, great sense of humor, sharp dressing, strong wit and high standards. He was easy to talk to and affectionately known as “Smitty” by his cousins and friends. He loved visiting with family, cooking, playing cards, spontaneous car trips and eating at his favorite restaurant, The Parthenon in Greektown. He was a man of great wisdom, unwavering resilience and always looked to find the silver lining in things. He was a favorite of his nieces and nephews, always thoughtful, generous and supportive, willing to lend a hand to anyone in need. Harold will live forever in the hearts of everyone he encountered and loved. On October 15, 2022, with his oldest daughter Erika by his side, Harold received his Heavenly Father’s calling to “come home my good and faithful servant.” Harold was predeceased by: his parents, Henry and Charlene Smith; his grandchild Mani Jr.; and his sibling Evelean (Tiny). He is survived by: his children, Erika Thomas (Joseph), Jocelyn Hope (Michael) and Wendell Smith (Marja); his grandchildren, Erik (Ashley), Hassan, Jada, Jaeson, Maddux, Joshua, Wendell Jr., Noah, Trinity and Sarai; his great grandchildren, Caleb, Kennedy and Chloe; and his sisters, Dorothy and Virgie Jean as well as his long-time special friend Vicki Marsh and a host of relatives and dear friends Visitation will take place on Monday, October 24, 2021, from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. at McCauley-Sullivan Funeral Home & Crematorium, 530 W. Boughton Road Bolingbrook, IL. 60440. A Funeral Service will follow on Tuesday, October 25, 2022 starting at 11:00 a.m. Interment will conclude at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, 20953 West Hoff Road, Elwood, Illinois 60421, for the 1:30 p.m. burial. Funeral arrangements entrusted to McCauley-Sullivan Funeral Home and Crematorium.

Harold Smith

September 21, 1943 - October 15, 2022