Harold Vincent Smith was born to Harold D. Smith and Velma G. Smith Wade both who preceded him in death. He departed this life on Monday, December 8, 2014 at 12:50 AM in his second hometown, Chicago, Illinois.

Harold grew up determined to be a big fish in a big pond. He left Brookport, IL at an early age in search of a better life in the big city. Ever the consummate "schmoozer," he often went by two nicknames, "Smitty", which spoke to his political personality and "Homeboy" a name given to him by his fellow friends from southern Illinois. Harold lived a good and full life and his family and friends could always depend on him for anything they asked. He loved his grandchildren dearly and took much pride in their accomplishments. They fondly referred to him as "GP", short for Grandpa. Harold may have left his small hometown, but his love for it never left him. He always desired to retire there and that's what he did.

Harold accepted Christ late in life but spent that time growing to know and love the Lord. Harold was well loved by his family and friends and will be sadly missed. Those to cherish his memory are his:

Two Children: Deborah (Gregory) Miller, Virgil (Monica) Winters.

Ten Grandchildren: Jessica (Smith) Bee, Joshua Smith, Jeremy Smith, Justin Smith, Joanna Smith,
Joseph Smith, Veronica Winters, Vance Winters, Nigil Winters, and Jacob Smith

Two Great-Grandchildren: Dallas Bee and Johara Smith

Eight Brothers: Jerry Wade, David Wade Sr., Larry Wade, Harold D. Smith, William Jacob Smith, Ezell Smith, Damon Smith, and Don Smith

Ten Sisters: Barbara Wade, Edith Wade, Deborah Wade, Judy Wright, Rosalyn Henson , Betty (Smith) Simmons, Irma (Smith) Cheeks, Naomi (Smith) Tyler, Jacqueline P. Smith, and Frances (Smith) Copeland

Other special ones include his friend and former wife, Jacqueline Smith-Jenkins, his former son-in law, Roderick Crowder and two special cousins, Keith Strickland and Jackie Pulliam and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by two brothers Nathaniel Smith and Marvin Ray Smith and three sisters,
Maryann (Smith) Goodwin, Velma Marie Smith Wade and Linda Smith Ridgeway.

Services will be held Saturday, December 13, 2014 at Bethel A.M.E. Church at 800 Crockett Street, Brookport, IL at 2:00 PM with Pastor Ronnie Woods officiating. Friends may also call at the church on Saturday from 1:00 pm until the funeral hour.

Burial will follow in Masonic Cemetery in Metropolis, IL.