Harold Charles Smith Sr.

Harold C. Smith, Sr. began his pilgrimage on September 21, 1918 in Goochland, Virginia. He triumphantly concluded his journey on Sunday, October 9, 2011 at Northwest Hospital, Baltimore County, Maryland. Harold was born the second child of the late Jacob Landis and Alice Elizabeth Jackson Smith. Harold Sr. accepted Christ as his personal Savior and was baptized at the Antioch Baptist Church and joined the Second Union Baptist in Goochland, Virginia. Harold was a faithful Sunday School student and regularly attended church. Harold received his education at Chapel Hill Elementary School and Fauquier High School. Upon graduation from High School, Harold enrolled in Virginia State College in Petersburg, Virginia. He could not complete his studies because he was drafted in the Pacific Theatre. He was honorably discharged with a rank of Sergeant and received the Pacific Theatre, Good Conduct and Foreign Service metals. After returning home from the army, Harold returned to Virginia State College, completed his education and received a BS Degree in Industrial Arts Education. Harold taught school in Stafford County, Virginia for six years. While teaching there he met Annie Maude Giles. She became his wife on April 2, 1955 and from this union they were blessed with one son, Harold Jr. on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 1958. Harold and Annie moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in June of 1956. He and Annie joined North Penn Baptist Church in January of 1957 under the pastorate of Dr. R.P. DeBerry. They kept their memberships there until December of 1991. He was an energetic member of the North Penn who taught Vacation Bible School, served as an usher, a member of the Trustee Board and finally chairman of the Trustee Board. Harold worked for the Postal Services in Philadelphia I different positions for twenty-seven and one half years in the mailroom of Haverford College in Haverford, Pennsylvania. In December of 1991 Harold and Annie moved to Baltimore County, Maryland to be closer to their son and family. They joined the Rising Sun First Baptist Church on the first Sunday in March of 1992. Harold has served his Church well as a faithful and dedicated member and deacon who was serious about his role as an officer of Rising Sun. Harold loved the Board of Deacons and especially the fellowship he received during his illness with his pastor and brethren. Harold was an avid reader and could be seen many evenings sitting in his rocker reading the Bible and many other books and magazines which usually surrounded him. He loved his family and was always there to lend and ear or elicit advice. His grandson Giles was the joy of his life. Harold leaves to treasure the legacy of his life: his loving wife of fifty-six years, Annie G; his devoted son, Harold Jr.; the joy of his senior years, his grandson, Giles; his ever faithful daughter, Marcia; one faithful brother, Louis Smith of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; three loving sisters-in-law, Hyler Shelton of Baltimore, Maryland, Ardenar Giles of Montpelier, Virginia and Martha Giles of Richmond, Virginia; three faithful brothers-in-law, Andrew Giles of Baltimore, Maryland, Reverend Benjamin Giles of Montpelier, Virginia and Victor Giles of Maidens, Virginia; and a host of nieces, nephews, friends, and the ever faithful Rising Sun Church Family.

Tributes

Harold Charles Smith Sr.

September 21, 1918 - October 9, 2011