Harold Edward Smith

Harold Edward Smith of Mount Vernon, Washington (formerly of Gladwin, Michigan) passed away on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at the age of 79 after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease. A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at Sharp Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 6063 Fenton Road, Grand Blanc, Michigan. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by the service at 11:30 a.m. Interment will take place at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan, after the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation or the Old Newsboys of Flint, Michigan.

Harold, affectionately known as Bub or Smitty, was born on August 9, 1945, in Flint, Michigan, to Harold Lloyd and Naomi (Warren) Smith. He attended Bendle High School but delayed graduation. He later earned his GED and high school diploma while serving in the U.S. Navy. At the age of 17, Harold joined the U.S. Navy Reserves in August 1962 and transitioned to active duty in March 1964. Throughout his service, he completed three tours in Vietnam, served aboard various naval ships, and worked in shore commands, including at the Pentagon. Harold retired in 1984 with the rank of Chief Petty Officer after a distinguished 20-year naval career.

Following his military service, Harold worked as a government contractor for the Naval Air Systems Command in Arlington, Virginia. After retiring from contracting, he moved to Spartanburg, South Carolina, where he pursued several interests, including working as a test driver for the BMW Manufacturing Plant in Greenville, South Carolina. Later, he and his wife, Alice, settled in Gladwin, Michigan, to be closer to family and friends.

A true car enthusiast, Harold had a deep love for vintage automobiles, particularly his cherished 1957 Chevy convertible that he had owned since 1974. He proudly participated in annual car shows, including the Woodward Dream Cruise in Michigan, the Daytona Beach Turkey Rod Run, and the Old Town Car Show in Kissimmee, Florida. His passion for cars was shared with his brother, Gary (Doc) Smith, with whom he regularly attended car shows. Harold also had a great love for dancing and singing, often taking to the dance floor at the drop of a hat—and sometimes even when it wouldn’t drop.

Harold is survived by his devoted wife of 33 years, Alice (Andreassen) Smith, and their three children: Jim (Naomi Minion) Smith of Gladwin, Michigan; Danielle (Christopher) Nettles of Blackville, South Carolina; and Morgan (John) Morrison of Mount Vernon, Washington. He also leaves behind 10 grandchildren; Eric (Jessica) Duby of Burton, MI; Caleb Smith of Gladwin, MI; Jamie (John) Cormany of Lexington, SC; Austin Hubbard of Blackville, SC; Taylor (Blake) Watts of Blackville, SC; Zachary (Julia) Hubbard of Barnwell, SC; Mark (Rachael) Corne of Kokomo, IN; Travis Corne of Kokomo, IN; Case Morrison of Mount Vernon, WA; and Lucas Harold Morrison of Mount Vernon, WA. 12 great-grandchildren, one niece, and two nephews. Harold is also survived by his sister MaryAnn (James) Woodruff of Burton, Michigan; brother Gary (Teresa) Smith of Middleburg, Florida; and his special uncle Dan (Carol) Smith of Phoenix, Arizona.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his beloved daughter, Angela (Smith) Corne. Harold professed the Lord Jesus Christ as his Savior. He is now dancing and singing in heaven with many dear friends and family members. Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com