Howard Earl Smith

1933 - 2024

Howard Earl Smith

February 24, 1933 - July 13, 2024

Lexington, South Carolina - Howard Earl Smith, 91, of Lexington, South Carolina passed away on Saturday, July 13, 2024. He was born on February 24, 1933, in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina to the late Leonard and Ruth Smith.

Howard served in the United States Army from 1953 to 1955. He is a graduate of the University of South Carolina and a voracious Gamecocks Fan! Howard went on to become the Director of Training and Personnel Development for the Gillette Company. After retiring from Gillette, Howard continued as a consultant for the Gillette European Sales force. Howard and his wife Nina lived in England for 2 years and traveled extensively throughout Europe.

Howard was very active in the Lexington Baptist Church. He was a devout Christian and taught Sunday School for many years. He was both a lifetime member of Trout Unlimited and the Federation of Fly Fishermen. He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed catching any fish that was willing to bite. Living on Lake Murray for the last 30 years Howard had become quite proficient in catching Striped Bass and other species. Howard tied his own Fishing Flies and Striper bucktails and jigs. He loved fishing out West in Montana and the Yellowstone Park area with his son Craig. Both enjoyed this for many years. Howard liked to read, and some say he could have been a jeopardy champion.

He is survived by his wife, Nina Hembree Smith; son, Joel Craig Smith (Susan); grandchildren, Madison Smith, Kendall Wojtkonski (Mike), and Reagan Smith; and sister, Earlene S. Gurley.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, July 18, 2024, at Caughman-Harman Funeral Home – Lexington Chapel, 503 North Lake Drive, Lexington, SC 29072, with a visitation to take place at the chapel one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, please send gifts to Missions Ministry at Lexington Baptist Church.

The family would like to give special thanks to Marty Jeffcoat, Kathy Freeman, and Cynthia Johnson for Howard's care the last few years. Howard's last months were made more comfortable by their efforts.