Howard Thomas Smith, 82, went to live on “Jesus Land” on Wednesday, September 15, 2021. Howard was born on March 20, 1939 in Cherokee, NC to the late Arthur and Stella Smith. Howard was the owner and operator of Howard’s Barbershop, especially known for his “High and Tights” and “Flattops.”
Howard was a deacon of Bellefounte Baptist Church in Cleveland. He enjoyed golfing, listening to southern gospel, playing with his grandchildren and spending time with his family and friends. Howard took pride in his success coming from meager means in the Smokey Mountains. From building a successful business in Cleveland that was a staple for over five decades to doing everything he could to provide a better life for his family than he had, in order to overcome the obstacles he faced as a young man.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by, his wife of 56 years, Mary Katherine Visage Smith; his siblings, Ovida Massey, Jack E. Smith, Joella Smith, Kenneth Smith and four other siblings that passed at infancy; and three special nephews, Dwight Smith, Jerry Smith and Larry Smith.
He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his children, Mary Marie Smith (Matthew) Calhoun and Lori Jane Smith (Jeremy) Brown, all of Delano; grandchildren, Amanda R. Smith, Charity Smith (Eric) Kinser, Larissa B. (Caleb) Bodley, Dillon Thomas Tragesser, Faith E. Brown, Matthew A. Calhoun and Sarah A. Brown; great-grandchildren, Xander L. Smith, Carson Thomas Kinser, Stella F. Bodley, Landon P. Kinser and one on the way; sister, Evelyn Smith Haynes; sister-in-law and family, Martha J. (Jim) Duggan; special adopted ones, Dee Logan, Kay (Drew) Ramsey, Astra Ramsey, Axl Ramsey and D.J. Gamble; special nieces, Robyn (Ed) Bush and Meddy (Charlie) Bounds; special friends, Jay and Sylvia Brown; and a host of extended family and friends.
A private graveside service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to a cause that was dear to Howard’s heart, for further information please contact Lori Brown, lorib4075@icloud.com.
Share a personal memory of Howard or your condolences with his family at his online memorial at www.companionfunerals.com.
Companion Funeral Home of Athens and the Cody family are honored to assist the family with these arrangements.