Harold R. Smith

1947 - 2025

Harold R. Smith
Benzonia, MI
03/17/1947 - 12/16/2025
Harold Richard Smith, age 78, of Benzonia, Michigan, passed away on December 16, 2025.
He was born on March 17, 1947, in Traverse City, Michigan.
Harold proudly served his country as a firefighter in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. After his military service, he dedicated 36 years to a career as a road construction foreman before retiring.
A hardworking and devoted family man, Harold helped his son build a home and, in retirement, selflessly devoted much of his time to helping care for his grandson, Ryan TerHaar, during his courageous battle with brain cancer. He also greatly enjoyed watching his grandchildren participate in sports and was always proud to support them from the sidelines.
Harold had a lifelong passion for the outdoors and hands-on work. He cherished spending Michigan winters deer hunting and ice fishing for pike. He loved painting, rebuilding cars, and sharing four-wheeler rides with his children and grandchildren. A fan of motorsports, Harold enjoyed watching NASCAR races and earlier in life raced enduro on his dirt bike.
Harold is survived by his loving wife, Sharon Smith; son, Richard "Rick" Smith; daughter-in-law, Janell Smith; Brother, Gregory Smith, sister-in-law, Linda Smith, daughter, Mindy TerHaar; son-in-law, Todd TerHaar; grandchildren, Kyle Smith, Lindsay Eberhart, Nicholas Eberhart, Ryan TerHaar, Andrew TerHaar, and Rylee TerHaar; and great-grandchild, Hudson Eberhart.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Elizabeth Smith; his sister, Vicki Lorenz; and his brother-in-law, Paul Lorenz.
Harold will be remembered for his dedication to his family, strong work ethic, love of the outdoors, and the many memories he created with those he loved.
A memorial will be announced at a later date. Arrangements with Jowett Family Funeral Home.