Howard R. Smith Jr. was born Sept. 21, 1935, in Hale County, to the late Howard R. Smith Sr. and Amelia Hill Smith. On Thursday, July 2, he peacefully departed this life at Montefiore Hospital in the Bronx, N.Y.
Howard grew up in Hale County and graduated from Hale County Training School in 1955. On Dec. 1, 1962, he was united in holy matrimony to Rosa (Rose) Nell Childress. From this union, five children were born, and together they raised their family with love, strength, and perseverance.
In the late 1960s, he relocated to Harlem, and in the 1970s the family moved to the Bronx. He was employed at the Pitchell Packing Company until his retirement in 1986.
Aware of the temptations, challenges, and inequalities his children faced growing up in the inner city, Howard was a firm disciplinarian who believed in teaching responsibility, respect, and accountability. As those who knew him often recall, when he said something, he meant it: “The end.”
Howard was affectionately known as “Sweetman” by his wife, “Skut” by his family and friends, and “Smitty” within the neighborhood. He enjoyed reading, following sports, and listening to music.
He gave back to his community by volunteering at The Redeemed Christian Church food pantry in the Bronx, where he faithfully served those in need.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 45 years, Rosa N. Childress Smith; his son, Julius C. Smith; his parents; his sister, Gracie (Ben); his brothers, Allen (Lillie) and George (Hurtline); and his brother-in-law, Joe.
Howard leaves to cherish his memory three sons, Clem Bell of Birmingham, Howard R. Smith III of Brooklyn, N.Y., and Roosevelt Smith of the Bronx; three daughters, CaSandra Howard of South Hills, Mich., Anita K. Powell of Indianapolis, and Rosa Smith of the Bronx; two amazing grandchildren whom he loved dearly, Tiffani S. Powell of Indianapolis and DeShaun T. Powell of Shelby Township, Mich.
He is also survived by three brothers-in-law, Theodore Childress (Rosalyn) of McCall, Major Childress (Deborah) of Atlanta, and Roosevelt Childress (Theresa) of Atlanta; two sisters-in-law, D. Marie Howard of Birmingham and CaSandra Melton (Wesley) of Marion; along with a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Funeral services were held Friday, July 17, at 1 p.m. at Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church, 142 Oak Grove Road, Gallion, with Pastor Willie Smith officiating.
