Arthur Smith

Arthur Smith, affectionately known as “Brother” to his family and “Smitty” to his friends. Was born August 14,1932, to the late Arthur Smith Sr. and Daisy Seabrook Smith- Haynes; in Wrens, Ga. Arthur passed away on Sunday, October 24, 2021 in his home at the age of 89.

Arthur the 2nd son of 13 children came from humble beginnings. The son of a “share cropper.” While attending Rosenwald School for Negro children, Arthur temporarily took over the job once his father passed to provide for his mother and siblings all at the age of 10. When Arthur’s mother remarried, to the late Charles Haynes they relocated the family to Altamonte Springs, Florida. While in Florida, Arthur and Henry (Doll) were migrant workers for their stepfather until their sister Eula came to bring them to Washington,DC. While in DC Arthur enrolled into night school at Coolidge high school, where he earned his GED and certification for shoe repair. While attending night school Arthur met his late wife Gladys Walker. The couple wed August 29, 1953. To this union 3 children were born; the late Walter Lewis (son), and 2 daughters Annie & Aretha Smith. Arthur and Gladys, better know as “ Shug & G” to each other were inseparable for 62years. Arthur was a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather and great- grandfather.

Arthur held several jobs. Arthur was a bicycle carrier for western union, a truck driver for Doyle printing, a dispatcher & supervisor for BattBates, and a supervisor for Expedite printing company. After being laid-off Arthur and Gladys started A&G delivery. They had contracts for delivering advertisements, and Smitty would hire the kids in the neighborhood to deliver the papers. Arthur soon went into security where he would retire from with the federal government.

In December 1953 Smitty joined the DC Throttle Twisters motorcycle club. Smitty and Henry love for motorcycles and adventures was shared with family & friends. While looking for the next adventure Smitty, Gladys and Doll formed a fishing club for family and friends. The trio even joined Indian Acres, a camping resort in Spostylvania, Ava. Family and friends from all over would come down for fun and relaxation. So much so the legacy lives on in his nephews. In 1953, the first Smith-Seabrook family reunion started when Arthur and Henry brought their families to the family homestead in Altamont Springs, Fl. Arthur held the position as President until 4 years ago and Henry held the Treasurer position. In 1973, Arthur joined the Freemason where he was a 32nd degree mason for the Accacia lodge No.25 and held his 33rd degree Nobel of the Mystic shrine for Mecca temple No.10.

Arthur and Gladys opened their home to family and friends anytime. If you knew “Big Smitty” you knew there was always two people with him; his late wife Gladys & “little Smitty” his beloved brother and best friend, whom he loved very much. Arthur was preceded in death by his beloved wife Gladys, his son Walter Lewis. Arthur is survived by his daughters Annie and Aretha, granddaughters Janeia Prentiss, LeSonya Johnson and Alexandra Smith, great grandson Carl Johnson, great granddaughter Alex Johnson, grandson-in-law Michael Johnson, brothers Arthur and Henry, sister Doreatha, and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and close friends.

The Smith and Johnson family would like to thank everyone that showed their condolences. Pastor Pearstine Adgerson, from God’s Will Christian Church. Fort Lincoln funeral home & cemetery for preparing our love one for his final resting place. We love you all!