Oliver Harvey Smith, born October 11, 1932 in Rotterdam Junction, New York, beloved husband of Josephine Anne Scoralle (Joanne Smith), passed away on October 3, 2012 in Renton, Washington following a brave battle with cancer. Ollie was a graduate of Hoquiam High School in 1950. He enlisted in the Marine Reserves while he was in high school and served five months before being honorably discharged due to a vision problem. He also sailed with the Military Sea Transport Service taking trips to Korea. In 1952 he enrolled in Seattle Pacific College and went on to graduate with a degree in Education in 1956. Ollie and Joanne have four children, Andrew (Lorrie), Rachel (Chuck), Janet (Walt) and Russell (Kelly). Their seven grandchildren are Andrea (Daniel,) Nicole (Chris,) Michelle (Jerry,) Matthew, Jordan, Nathan and Natalie. Their five great-grandchildren are Kathryn, Aidan, Olivia, Peyton and Cameron. Ollie leaves behind two sisters Rose Brown and Phyllis Baeder, his brother Richard Smith (Merrie,) brother-in-law Dr. Donald Scoralle (Betty) and their extended families. He also leaves behind many special friends, neighbors and numerous nieces, nephews and their families.
Ollie worked every summer when school wasn’t in session at various jobs, but his primary job was that of a teacher in the Aberdeen School District from 1956 through 1968. He taught at A.J. West, Hopkins and McDermoth Junior High Schools before moving his family to Renton, Washington in 1968. After teaching at Benson Hill Elementary School and a few other schools in Renton, he retired from teaching public school and took a teaching job at Maple Valley Christian School (now Rainier Christian School) until his official retirement in 1998. Ollie touched the lives of many students during his career and enjoyed seeing students while he was out.
Ollie, along with Joanne, loved family, traveling, playing cards, reading, relaxing, and faithfully followed many sports teams. They enjoyed the Seattle Seahawks, University of Washington Huskies and especially the Seattle Mariners. Their travels took them to California, the East Coast, England, Europe, Canada, and Arizona for the Seattle Mariners Spring Training.
Ollie was a history and geography fanatic – there wasn’t a map he didn’t like. He loved to eat so married well as Joanne was his favorite cook and baker. Ollie could be seen after every meal and snack with his infamous toothpick. Other things he enjoyed over the years were coaching and he was a referee. Joanne and Ollie were active members of Harbor Free Methodist Church where they met many life long friends and also Renton Park Chapel, again, meeting many great friends. Oliver had a servant’s heart and loved the Lord and spent many years volunteering doing the Lord’s work.
There will be a viewing on his 80th birthday, October 11, 2012 from noon until 7:00 p.m. at Greenwood Cemetery, 350 Monroe Avenue NE, Renton, WA 98056. The entombment will be the following day at 12 Noon at Greenwood Cemetary, with a Celebration of Life at 4:00 p.m. at Rainier Christian School which is located at 16700 174th Avenue SE, Renton, WA 98058. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Rainier Christian School, 16700 174th Avenue SE, Renton, WA 98058, Attention: Rev. Weldo Melvin.
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