Howard Smith
Howard Lewis “Shorty” “Pop” Smith, 95, went to be with the Lord on March 10, 2024. He was born July 19, 1928, in Ridgeway, Va., to the late Annie Mae Martin Smith and the late Robert Lee Smith. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife, Patricia Ruth Via Smith; five sisters: Nellie M. Smith. Myrtle Irene Pratt, Lillie Belle Smith, Pauline Bolijack, and Opal Price; and two brothers, Russell Smith and Robert “Duke” Smith. Howard lived with his son, Denny Leland Smith, for 13 years in Double Springs, Ala., and his longer-term residency was in Bassett, Va.
Howard is remembered for his dedication to God and family. After completing basic training at Fort Jackson, Georgia, Howard served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. Upon his return to civilian life, he worked for Bassett Superior Lines for 42 years, where he managed the pump room and pulled guard duty at night. In 1993 he was recognized for his continuous dedication for safety after an explosion of hazardous material broke out in the pump room. His heroic actions prevented the fire from spreading throughout the plant and countless lives were saved, however, Howard suffered long term physical injuries.
Howard is survived with honor and love by his children, Sabrena (Michael) Smith Oldakowski, and Denny (Renee) Leland Smith. He was the devoted grandfather of James Luke Swain, Johnathan Howard Swain, Annakia Ciera Smith, Jason David Holt and Jedidiah Leland Smith. He is survived by nine great-grandchildren: Kinley Rose Swain, Cameron Maddox Swain, Sadie Kay Smith, Jagger Leland Smith, Hemi Gene Smith, Hayden Thomas Holt, Hattie Mae Holt, Ruby Ellen Holt and Scarlett Rose Holt.
A visitation will be held Sunday, March 17, 2024, from 1-2 p.m. in the chapel of Bassett Funeral Service with funeral services to follow at 2:00 p.m. Burial will follow in the Mount Hermon Church of the Brethren Church Cemetery with military honors conducted by the Veterans Guard of Martinsville and Henry County. In the quest for a cure of Type 1 Diabetes, memorial donations can be made to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA, 22119.
Online condolences may be made by visiting www.bassettfuneralservice.com. Bassett Funeral Service is serving the Smith family.
