Harold Lee Smith

Harold Lee Smith aka The Cookie Man was born October 3rd, 1965, to the late Annette Smith and Walter Lee Smith of Miami, Florida. On December 16th, 2025, he unexpectedly made his earthly departure at the tender age of 60, leaving behind a legacy he built with his hands, humor, and heart that loved deeply- sometimes quietly, sometimes sarcastically, always sincerely.

Harold is survived by his wife of over 20 years Claudette Butler Smith aka Boobie,

Sons, Harold Smith Jr. and Jeremy (Jessica), daughters Dashweil (Jahmal) and Tiffany aka babygirl, siblings Vanessa aka Tweedy (Billy), Renee aka Michelle (Larry), Rodney aka Po’Boy, Christine (Thomas) grandchildren Janelle aka Dakota, Journey, Nalyce, and Nacin, Aunt Ethel, nephews Kenny, Jeffery, La’Norris aka Pooh bear, Watu, and Anthony, nieces Shantrell aka Tookie, and Tunisha and host of other family and friends.

Harold was a youthful, spiritually rich, outgoing, adventurous, caring man. He could fix, build, bake, or creatively figure out almost anything. A jack of all trades. But his proudest career achievement was obtaining his CDL license and becoming a “professional truck driver.”

Most of his best work was thought of either laying in his bed yelling at sports players, in his garage where time and space moved differently, or his late-night self-talk comedy hour and gospel concert. He taught a life lesson, made you laugh, or talked a little trash - a lot of trash if he considered you family. If you had his respect, you had his loyalty and love.

While his path wasn’t always straight and narrow, he turned his life around in a way that mattered to him, on his own terms. In 2003 he met his wife Claudette Butler-Smith who he and only he called “Boobie” at his sister’s house. They were friends. After a very short while, he decided she was the one, so he packed up all his important things and relocated to Tampa, Florida to be with her. Nothing in the world meant more to him than building a long-standing bond with her. She encouraged and supported his every dream, welcomed his children and family with open arms, and spoke life into him as a man. He fell in love with traveling and collecting souvenirs around the world standing by her side throughout her Military Career. Their union truly stood the test of time. If his wife wasn’t a part of the show, neither was he. No matter what. She allowed him to be himself and shine his light day or night, wrong or right.

A reminder of just how bright his light shined was his children. Spiritual Twins. Born on the same day, around the same time, different years. This is confirmation that there’s purpose for his legacy. Harold loved the thought of being a dad. He prayed and planned for one child, but God multiplied his seed. Showering them with any and everything they wanted was always at the top of his to-do list. Despite the path of life he chose, flaws and all, they’ve always felt his unconditional love within their hearts and in his presence. He truly wanted to be a good father.

His most recent joy was becoming a granddad for the third time. That role fit him well. He embraced it with pride, humor, and a soft kind of joy that spoke louder than words. He leaves behind a family full of memorable moments, both good and bad. Lots of laughter, life lessons, and love. Maybe a few good recipes and unfinished projects that somehow still need work.

The Cookie man will be deeply missed, often celebrated and lovingly joked about - just as he would have wanted.

Visitation is scheduled from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm on January 3, 2026 and the funeral is scheduled for 2:00 pm on January 3, 2026, at Hillsboro Memorial Funeral Home { 2323 W Brandon Blvd, Brandon, FL 33511}, with a reception to follow at Summerfield Amenity Center {13011 Summerfield Blvd, Riverview, Fl 33579}. Christine Maxwell will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Harold’s life.