Mr. Harry "Smitty" Douglas Smith Obituary (1950

WASHINGTON, DC - In profound sorrow, we the Management & Staff of The Serenity Mortuary announce the passing of Mr. Harry "Smitty" Douglas Smith, 72 of Washington, DC (formerly of Summerville, SC) who entered into eternal rest on Friday, August 5, 2022, at Medstar Washington Hospital Center in Washington, DC. Mr. Smith is the beloved husband of Mrs. Veronica Smith. Elder Harry Douglas Smith, beloved husband, father, grandfather, caregiver, servant and friend was born to Mary Jane Smith on May 18, 1950 in Summerville, SC. God released him from this earthly realm on August 5, 2022. Harry affectionately known as "Smitty" and "Hat", graduated from Summerville High School in 1968. During Smitty's high school years, he had the confidence and assertiveness to question and challenge a textbook math concept that the teacher reinforced. After exploration, Smitty was found to be right. He furthered his education at Trident Technical College and upon completion of the electrical program, he moved to DC seeking employment. Realizing he had a family to support, Smitty accepted a job in housekeeping at NIH. Believing he just needed to get his foot in the door, Smitty rose from housekeeping to ultimately retiring as Deputy Chief of Electrical Engineering Services where he received numerous awards and accolades for his service and commitment. Smitty later met and married the love of his life, Belinda and was very active in the Brown-Green and the Wilson-Lake family reunion activities. There was unlimited love and dedication towards family. Smitty was a compassionate and loving caregiver as demonstrated while caring for his mother and uncle during their declining health. An avid Dallas Cowboy fan, there was no question where Smitty would be during football season in spite of being deep in enemy territory and surrounded by best friends, Brad and Charles who are fans of the Redskins/Commanders. Not to be outdone, Smitty did not fail to call on his Cowboy allies Tony and Jonathan for backup in times of joy and victory. He also enjoyed great food and experimenting with different recipes and was rapidly gaining a "Master Chef" reputation. During his retirement, he enjoyed visiting new restaurants, traveling, fishing, long walks, taking in the wind on his Suzuki or with the top let back in his 350Z Silver Baby and hanging out with Brad and Charles on the porch. Smitty was also considered a Mister Fix-it Man. A perfect example was when he replaced his daughter's (Swella ) water heater and if he didn't know how to do it, well, there's always "YouTube." As a faithful servant at Open Bible Ministries (OBM), Smitty was called to be an Elder. He honorably served the late Pastor Bill Thomas and later his son, Pastor Will Thomas. Elder Smitty was responsible for, but not limited to Building and Grounds, Missions Ministry, Bike Club Ministry and overseeing security. In essence, Smitty was a loving husband to Belinda, proud parent to Tony and Swella, doting grandparent to Kaia, Devon and Dereon and loyal friend. He tirelessly volunteered to help his family, the less fortunate and willingly gave his time and resources to assist others. He was a prime example of "his brother's keeper", but most of all, he was a humble and faithful servant for the Lord. Harry "Smitty" Smith was predeceased by his mother, Mary Smith. He leaves to cherish his memories, his wife, Belinda; son, Devon, daughter, Swella, grandchildren, Kaia, Devon and Dereon, father in love, Elder Samuel Obie, aunts in love, Bishop M.S. Nesbitt and Shirley Wiggs, his beloved cousins, Betty, Larry and Mel; longtime, loyal friends, Brad, Charles, Joe and Earl, adopted sister and mom, Pastor Regina and Ma Banks; and a host of other friends and relatives. ***The Management & Staff of The Serenity Mortuary are honored to serve the family of the late Mr. Harry "Smitty" Douglas Smith, we ask that you please keep them in your thoughts as well as your prayers.***