Ulysses Smith

Ulysses Smith
Retired educator and committed public servant Ulysses Smith, 80, died July 31, 2021, surrounded by loved ones.
Born in Americus, Ga., Ulysses earned a bachelor's degree in Natural Science from Fort Valley State College and a master's degree in education with a concentration in chemistry from Atlanta University. He further studied at Wake Forest College, Florida State University, Florida Atlantic University, Nova Southeastern University and Harvard University.
He married his college sweetheart, Virginia Huff, in 1965. Their union of nearly six decades was blessed with countless celebrations, renewed commitment through life's challenges, and appreciation for and reliance on each other and their faith. Together, they embarked upon their shared lifelong common interests – unconditional love for their children, the necessity of education, and intentional service.
Inspired by a teacher who believed in him, Ulysses became a teacher, working in Butts County, Ga., for one year before moving to Palm Beach County, Fla., in 1963. When Ulysses and Virginia retired from the School District of Palm Beach County in 2000, he had served as an educator for 37 years, helping to lead the integration of a half-dozen schools, mentoring countless new teachers and administrators, and motivating untold numbers of students of all ages.
Ulysses began his tenure in Palm Beach County schools teaching chemistry and physics at the former Lincoln High School in Riviera Beach, the former John F. Kennedy High School and Palm Beach Gardens High before becoming a Work Experience Coordinator at Twin Lakes High. He served as Dean of Boys at Conniston Junior High, Assistant Principal at John I. Leonard High, and the first African-American Principal at both Conniston Junior High and Suncoast High School. Unwavering in his high expectations and belief in each person's ability to learn, Ulysses also served as Executive Director of Special Instruction, Area Superintendent for the West Area, and Executive Director of Adult, Vocational and Community Education, before retiring as the Area Superintendent for the North Area.
Ulysses was a proud and active member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., for 62 years, committed to scholarship fundraising and serving in numerous leadership roles for the Kappa Upsilon Chapter in Palm Beach County. For 10 years after retiring, Ulysses joined with fellow retired Omega Psi Phi Fraternity members at Roosevelt Elementary School every Wednesday morning, tutoring second-graders.
A 52-year member of Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, Ulysses participated in the church's "Adopt-a-School" initiative at U.B. Kinsey/ Palmview Elementary. He was the longtime chairman of the Trustee Ministry, and active in the Men's Ministry, Outreach Ministry, Social Justice Ministry, November Month Ministry and Sunday School. He helped to establish the Tab Learning Center and was a staunch supporter of the U.B. Kinsey Educational & Community Center, which opened in August 2017.
As a member of the Kiwanis Northside Club, Ulysses supported the Bringing Up Grades program to recognize elementary students for improvement in their grades; helped to feed homeless community members; and participated in such service activities as VA Bingo with disabled veterans.
Ulysses was a committed supporter of the Fort Valley State University Alumni Association.
Ulysses is survived by his devoted wife of 56 years, Virginia; daughters Michon Wise, Erika Smith, Jennifer Race Dyson (a niece he considered a daughter), Elisa (Antony) Cramer, Dr. Eugina Smith Feaman and Elaina Smith Campbell; six grandchildren; sisters Dora Brizill, Mary (Novel) Brown, and Lillian Cunningham; sisters-in-law Gertrude Huff, Emma Huff and Mary Huff; two Goddaughters; two Godsons; and a host of beloved extended family, nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.