Harold Lamar Smith Sr.

Harold Lamar Smith, Sr., age 101, of Pike Road, Alabama, died peacefully on March 27, 2025, after a lengthy illness. He survived by his wife of 78 years, Rebecca Spann Smith, and daughter, Beverly Smith Patterson (Edward) , Montgomery; son, Roger Maurice Smith (Pamela), Birmingham; daughter-in-law, Diana Smith, Troy; three grandchildren, Erin Patterson Joye (Jay), Dothan; Brian Daniel Smith, Birmingham, Jennifer Lynn Smith, Nashville, and grandson-in-law, Christopher Wyatt Williams (Jaime), Birmingham. He is also survived by seven great grandchildren, Wyatt Edward Williams, Athens, Ga; Bradford Elizabeth Williams, Birmingham; Walker Sherard Shaw, Auburn; Elijah Brooks Joye, Ellison Anne Joye, Emmaline Rose Joye, all of Dothan. Al; Silas Anderson Ballew, Nashville. He is predeceased by his son, Harold Lamar Smith, Jr. of Troy, his granddaughter, Elliot Patterson Williams of Birmingham, his parents, Lewis Alto and Bessie Capps Smith; two sisters, Waunette (Bernice) McLaney, and Nelma (Lehmon) Shields, and one brother, Duron Lewis Smith (Elizabeth).

Lamar was born in Geneva County, AL on December 19, 1923. His family lived on a farm near Hartford, AL. At the age of 19, he joined the U.S. Army and served two years with the 36th Infantry Division [European Theater] which invaded southern Italy pushing against the German Army. He was seriously wounded in early 1944 by German artillery shells while crossing the Rapido River. He was awarded the Purple Heart, The Bronze Star, The Good Conduct Medal, The American Campaign Medal, The European African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Marksman Qualification Badge. After an honorable discharge, he attended the University of Alabama’s Center in Montgomery where he studied accounting and worked in civil service in Procurement at Maxwell AFB until he retired in 1978.

Lamar was a long-time active member and officer of the local chapters of Veterans of Foreign Wars and Disabled American Veterans. For many years he was a member of the former Woodley and McGehee Road Baptist Churches in Montgomery. Three highlights in his senior years include returning in 2000 to Italy with his wife for a reunion of the 36th Infantry Division, attending the dedication of the WW II Memorial in Washington, DC in 2004, and later returning to the nation’s capital on an Honor Flight which recognized WW II veterans for their sacrifices in the war.

Upon retiring, Lamar and Becky traveled extensively with friends for over 40 years throughout the U.S. and Canada. He enjoyed the outdoors -camping, tending crops and Christmas trees while caring for his properties. He loved being surrounded by family and friends. Lamar will be remembered as “Papa” to his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Humble, quiet, and a bit shy, he was kind, generous and resilient. Adventurous and young in heart, he was curious about life and had a thirst for knowledge. Always on the move, he lived a full and active life. He epitomized the traits of those men and women who are affectionately known as “The Greatest Generation.”

A visitation will be held at 10:00 am on April 7, 2025, at Leak Memory Chapel. A graveside service with military honors will follow at 11:00 am at Greenwood Cemetery with Dr. Rev. Brian Jay Joye and Rev. Patrick W. Parvin presiding. Pallbearers will be Christopher W. Williams, Wyatt E. Williams, Elijah Brooks Joye, Walker Sherrod Shaw, Keith R. Smith, and Col. Wesley White.

If desired, memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warrior Project (support.woundedwarriorproject.org), Angels of America’s Fallen, 10010 Devonwood Court, Colorado Springs, CO 80920, or to the charity of one’s choice.