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YOUNGSTOWN -- Harold Eugene Smith, 78, departed this life at 9:28 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 16, 2026, at St. Joseph Warren Hospital, following complications of an extended illness.
He was born June 20, 1948, in Hickman, Kentucky, the son of Arthur and Clara Mae Jones Smith, residing in Warren for four years.
Harold was employed with the General Motors Corp. BOC Lordstown Division as a lift operator for 31 years before retiring in 2001. He was a 1968 graduate of South High School.
His hobbies included riding motorcycles and photography.
He leaves to mourn one son, Harold W. Patterson of Youngstown, Ohio; one stepdaughter, Mrs. Tarin (Steven) Seeden of Pomona, California; three brothers, Charles (Connie) Fitzpatrick of Austintown, Wayne Smith of Youngstown, and Eddie Smith of Birmingham, Alabama; one sister, Ms. Robbie Smith of Youngstown; grandchildren, Daja, Duvale, Kaila, Chrishya, Chanyia, Lyric, Wydell and Tre'Vion; great-grandchildren, Jaiden, Zola, Da'Mani and Duvale Jr.; caregivers, Kevin Williams of Youngstown, and Mrs. Sonja (Keith) Smith of Villa Rica, Georgia; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Bobby Smith and Randolph Smith; and one sister, Mrs. Gloria (James) Williams.
Harold E. Smith lived a life marked by service, courage and devotion to his country. At the age of 21, Harold answered the call to serve by joining the United States Marine Corps, beginning a military career that would ultimately span two branches of the United States Armed Forces.
During his service in the Marine Corps, Harold attained the rank of lance corporal (E-3) and served 11 months in a combat zone during the Vietnam War. His military honors included the Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two campaign awards, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with 1960 Device. He completed his Marine Corps service with an honorable discharge and recognition for good conduct.
Harold's commitment to his country did not end with the Marine Corps. He later joined the United States Army, serving with the 838th Military Police Company at Fort Dix, New Jersey. He attained the rank of sergeant (E-5) and devoted an additional 13 years of service as a military policeman.
During his Army career, Harold was called back to active duty in support of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, serving from Jan. 7, 1991, through Oct. 7, 1991. His Army decorations and recognitions included the Army Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with 1960 Device, Kuwait Liberation Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal with two bronze service stars, Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon, and marksmanship qualification badges for both rifle and pistol.
Harold's service in both the U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Army reflected a lifelong commitment to duty, service and the protection of the freedoms he held dear. From Vietnam to the Persian Gulf era, he answered his nation's call and served with honor.
His military service represents a proud and lasting part of his legacy. The courage, dedication and sacrifices he gave in service to his country will be remembered with gratitude by his family and all those whose lives he touched.
Semper Fidelis, or Semper Fi, means "Always Faithful." He served with honor. He served with courage. He served with commitment. "Semper Fi" signifies that this dedication never fades. His service and sacrifice will never be forgotten. Semper Fi--"Oorah!"
Graveside burial with all due military honors will begin at 10:45 a.m. Monday, Aug. 24, 2026, at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Rittman.
Condolences for the family may be sent to Mrs. Sonja Smith, 1057 Southwood Drive, Villa Rica, GA 30180.
Arrangements of comfort were handled by the Sterling-McCullough Williams Youngstown Funeral Home.
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