Ernest Smith

He was the son of the Willie Mae (Taylor) Richardson and Ernest Smith Sr, who both preceded him in death. His mother Willie Mae married the late Joel Richardson in 1952, Ernest was twenty five years old and he embraced Joel as a father. Ernest attended Sirmen Elementary School and graduated from Greenville Training School in Greenville FL.

Ernest was drafted into the United States Army on February 12, 1953. He fought in the Korean War; due to an injury he received an honorary discharge as a Corporal on January 27, 1955. After the Army, he moved to Newark, NJ and began working for the Post Office in 1955. He retired in 2000 after working for over 45 years. After the death of his dad Joel, he relocated to Hollywood (West Park) to be near his mother Willie Mae. In 2001 he rededicated his life to God and was a faithful and beloved member of Journey Church under the leadership of Pastor Charles Taylor until his death.

He married his first wife Rose Brown in 1952.They had four children Gail Smith Dozier (Deceased), Tommy Jerome Smith (Deceased), Aziz-Abdul Smith and Pamela Smith Augbun. That marriage ended in 1969. Ernest met and married Ethel Mae "Dot" Lemon in 1980; they were married for 39 years. Ernest was the step-father to Ethel's two daughters Mae Lemon and Ardella Reid. He was a devoted husband as she was a devoted wife and took care of him by herself until he transitioned to be with the Lord.

Ernest was known for his smile (anytime you saw him he had this big beautiful smile), his passion and willingness to help anyone he could. There was never a time when you will see him angry or upset. He was a person that never met a stranger, he embrace you the first time as if he had known you for years.

He was a person that made you feel loved and special. If you were having a bad day just to see him and be around him will make your day better. He believed as stated in Philippians 4:15, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." He served his God faithfully and never gave up. Ernest would not want you to be sad about his departure, instead he would want you to remember his smile, the good life he had and stride yourself to prepare for that day that you must do as he had done depart this life for a must better life with God in Heaven.

He leaves to cherish his memories, his wife Ethel Smith of West Park Fl, two children Aziz-Abdul Smith of Newark, NJ, Pamela Smith Augbun of Los Angeles, Ca. Two step-daughters Mae Lemon of New York, Ardella Reid of Delaware . Ten grandchildren Ayeisha Smith ,Abdul Smith, Shartikia Smith , Rasheem Robinson, Zubeta-Azir Bashir,Phillip Smith Jr, Shartiha Smith, Tawanda Smith, Lakisha (Davon) Valentine, Rahamon Dozier. A host of great grands, great great grands, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Four very special first cousins: Isaiah "Ike" Williams (deceased), Willie C Taylor, Elois Barnes and Margaret Taylor.