Howard H Smith's Obituary
Howard H. Smith, Jr. went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, September 28, 2025 at the age of 85. Howard was born in Philadelphia, PA on November 22, 1939 to Pearl and Howard Smith, Sr. On June 21, 1958 he married Ruth Smith and they shared 67 years of marriage.
Howard started working as a young boy shining shoes and did odd jobs his grandmother found for him in Philadelphia. He managed three different Drive-in Theatres. He owned and operated a Standard Oil (Chevron) gas station for twenty-one years. Howard was hired as the Operations Manger at Idlewild Baptist Church in 1982 and served for twenty years.
Howard was a big jokester. He enjoyed camping with family at Thanksgiving. He loved traveling with the love of his life Ruthie all over the world and going on cruises. He had a passion for dining out, kept a journal for all the restaurants he visited, and noted what he enjoyed about them. Howard enjoyed music, especially the old time Southern Gospel Music. He made his children suffer through old time Country Music on the Radio in the car. His hobbies were sudoku, playing cards, collecting coins. He also loved searching for a great bargain at Flea Markets.
Howard is survived by his wife Ruth Smith, three children Janine (Dale) Tucker, Janet Kern, and Howard Smith III, his siblings David Smith and Melodie (Chuck) DiPierro, brother-in-law Bert Lyons, eight grandchildren, ten great grandchildren, one step granddaughter, one step great grandson, two adopted granddaughters and seven adopted great granddaughters along with numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
Howard is preceded in death by his grandparents Frances and Frank Wiley, Sr., Roxanna and Frederick Smith, Sr., his parents Pearl and Howard Smith, Sr., parents-in-law Earl and Thelma Lyons, siblings June Cannon and Harry Smith, brothers-in-law Allen Lyons and Earl Cannon, his nephews Terrell Lyons, Eric Lyons and David Cannon, niece Victoria DiPierro, step granddaughter Tasha Pearson, great grandson Joshua Levine, great Nephew James Burke and adopted great grandson DJ Walker.
A Celebration of Life service and visitation will be held at Idlewild Baptist Church, 18333 Exciting Idlewild Blvd. Lutz, FL 33548. Visitation will be at 10am and the Celebration Service is at 11am. Burial will be at Hillsboro Memorial Funeral Home, 2323 W. Brandon Blvd. Brandon, FL 33511 at 2PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Idlewild Baptist Church, 18333 Exciting Idlewild Blvd. Lutz, FL 33548.
As we say goodbye to Howard, we take comfort in knowing he has found rest in the arms of his Savior. His journey here is complete, but his story continues in the hearts of those he loved.
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