Howard Lee Smith's Obituary
The Smith family has made final arrangements for his internment in the Trinity Memorial Gardens of Trinity Florida on August 9th at 1130am and invites you to join them in a memorial service to celebrate Howard’s life.
Howard was deeply devoted to serving his community and loving his family. Howard exhibited this at an early age in the Boy Scouts, where he rose to Eagle Scout, and was also an avid member of the Civil Air Patrol, becoming one of California's top cadets. In college, he joined ROTC, which culminated in being commissioned as an officer in the US Army. He loved the Army and loyally served his country, rising to the rank of Captain. He was the only First Lieutenant in the California National Guard in command of a Company and he served at brigade headquarters and on staff of the battle group. He reached the crossroads of continuing in the service or following his career path. Ultimately, he chose his community and family and was honorably discharged. Howard put the same energy into the job as he put into his other endeavors and rose to Chief Personnel Officer (CPO) at his company at the time of his retirement. Even after retirement, Howard looked for ways to make a difference and joined SCORE (Service Core of Retired Executives) in Fairfield County, CT, volunteering as a counselor for small businesses and entrepreneurs needing assistance from business plans to strategies. Even after moving with his wife Marilyn to Florida, Howard joined the Pasco-Hernando County chapter of SCORE and served as both counselor and chapter President and Chairman. More recently, Howard joined an organization of dedicated instructors teaching ESL (English as a Second Language) to individuals interested in bettering their language skills. Howard loved helping these individuals develop their competency in English and even helped them successfully complete job applications and prepare for interviews to achieve their employment goals. Ironically, this brought Howard back to his early passion in college for teaching, which he didn't pursue in order to follow his business path.
Lest someone think that Howard was all work and no play, it has to be said that he was a family man like few others. He grew up in a time and place where his male role models spent much of their time away from their families, but Howard deliberately chose a different way. The Smith family grew up close with a great deal of love and support. He and his wife Marilyn loved to travel and took every opportunity to explore the world. They passed this passion on to their children. When the next generation came, Howard and Marilyn embraced early retirement in order to become intimately involved with their grandchildren. He was looking forward to meeting the next generation with the coming birth of his new great-granddaughter. His door was always open, his handkerchief at the ready for any tears, his arms stretched for bear-hugs and handshakes alike.
Howard leaves behind his loving family - son Eric and his fiancé Tracy; daughter Shelley and her husband Scott; granddaughter Erin and her husband Enrique; grandson Sean and his wife Lauren; and his great-granddaughter Maggie (coming in December).
He leaves behind a legacy of many he has helped throughout his life - futures that would likely not be where they stand without his wisdom and ever outstretched hands. Everyone he touched will miss his love, friendship, guidance and support.
He knew the day would soon come that he would leave our earthly world and return Home to his Lord. He was predeceased by Marilyn, his wife of 53 years and was looking forward to being together forever. It gives his family great peace knowing Howard won't walk alone.
Howard, rest in peace and welcome Home....until we see you again.
Matthew 23:25: His Lord said unto him, "Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Lord."
What’s your fondest memory of Howard?
What’s a lesson you learned from Howard?
Share a story where Howard's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Howard you’ll never forget.
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