Garland G. Smith "Smitty"

Smitty is a proud product of the W.B. Wicker High School of Sanford. During his time there, he experienced a major interruption as he entered the US Air Force September 1, 1949, Raleigh, North Carolina, and served as a Radio Mechanic ll. He was honorably discharged October 31, 1952 at Brookfield Air Force Base in Ohio. Afterwards he returned to high school and graduated with the class of 1954 and attended high school reunions every two years beginning in 1987.

He moved to the West Coast in the early 1950’s and attended Oregon State University and University of Oregon before leaving for Seattle. He enrolled in the University of Washington and worked in several positions and apprenticeship programs before beginning his career with the Government Sup Ship Division. He was married, became a Sup Ship Supervisor and raised a family of five.

It has been well documented with the government that Smitty was the best in his field of work. He was well educated in subjects such as Trigonometry, Algebra, Calculus, Chemistry, English and General Engineering. Many letters of recommendation accompanied by cash awards were his to enjoy during his career with the government.

He relocated to Portland, Oregon in the mid 80’s as a Supervisory Ship Surveyor (General), on Swan Island. On March 24, 1989, the day of his retirement from the Government, he married Georgia Newton and shared 25 years of marriage this year. After retirement, he worked part-time ten years for Metro Exposition and Recreation Commission where he enjoyed meeting and serving the people coming and going. To him this was more than just a job, as he seemed to enjoy “telling people where to go” (you have to know Smitty to understand the sentiment). Smitty endured much during the last few years of his life, beginning with the loss of his right leg in 2007. He never allowed his handicap to deter him from doing the things he loved – mostly carpentry.

As a member of Mt. Olivet Baptist Church he was an active participant and enjoyed attending the Men’s Sunday school class where each man was assigned a Sunday to bring the lesson. Years later, as many learned of his love for carpentry, he was asked by Ms. Clevonne Jackson to construct an old rugged cross replica which stood prominently in Mt. Olivet for many years. In later years, he was very active in his Life Group led by Mr. James Busby. He loved the brothers and regularly attended meetings unless out of town. When he became weak and could no longer drive to the meetings, the men came to his home and continued their fellowship until his death.

He is survived by his wife, Georgia; daughters Cheryl Dianne Smith and Kathy Marie Smith; Sons William Anthony Smith (Patrick) and Gilford Wallis Smith, Seattle, WA; Sisters Larvenia S. McIver and Henrietta J. McDougald, Sanford, NC; Niece Lori Caudle, Winston Salem, NC; Nephew, Robert McIver (Roxanne), Atlanta, GA; Step-Children Delbert Newton, Margaret LaJewel Lewis, Portland, OR, Dawn Smith (Rod), Atlanta, GA; Grandsons Alexander Smith-Wyatt Gaffney, Gilford Wallis Smith, Jr. Seattle, WA, Chauncey D. Lewis, Portland, OR, R. Marichal Smith and Jaelyn D. Smith, Atlanta, GA.; Granddaughters Brittani L. Newton, Portland, OR, LaToya Maxine Smith, J’Nae Smith, Seattle, WA; ten (10) great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends far and near; the mother of his five children, Maxine Laws (Godfrey); and his Care Giver, Debbie Kelly.

Garland (Smitty) will be missed. We take solace in these few words and trust you will as well:

“His weary hours, his days of pain, his weary nights are past;

His ever patient worn out frame, has found sweet rest at last.”

To “My CARING VILLAGE”

“I Have So Much to Thank God For”

You have been a member of “My Caring Village” caring for me through my illness. You took time to visit me and share current events; you came to watch March Madness followed by the NBA Playoffs; some of you came the morning after to discuss the way the games should have been coached; Pastor Martin and Pastor Ed, you came and shared general topics including sports culminating with prayer; Pastor Hunter, you brought so much laughter to the table, my Life Group Men held meetings at my home when I could no longer drive and attend; Life Group Leader, James Busby, faithfully brought and served communion; you all brought a smile of gratitude on my face and in my heart.

I was blessed with the best Hospice Team (ever). You guided my wife, Georgia, each step of the way. One of your team members attended me almost every day. I’m requesting a special Angel to watch over Mrs. Janice Davis who sat with me every Tuesday for six months enabling my wife to attend choir rehearsals. Her husband, Moses, sat with me in her absence. My next door neighbor, Ms. Geraldine Hayes (Ms. Geri), sat with me many times while Georgia ran quick errands. I can’t forget my Barber, Ms. Dora, who, although sick herself, came to my house to groom my “head”.

Thanks to my “Sup Ship” co-retired workers, family and friends far and near. You called many times after hearing of my illness. It was comforting to know you cared. I can’t forget my “rocks”. When I reflect, my wife never left me alone after Jan. 5th, 2014. Someone was always with me – Jewel, Chauncey, Dawn and Delbert- were my “rocks”. Lawrence, you took me to all my chemo appointments; John Newton and Bill Gordon took me to my doctor appointments. My thanks to the Bereavement Ministry of my church for giving Georgia guidelines for my program today and for the Daily Bread Ministry for the Repast prepared for you after my service today. I thank all the program participants, I’m very pleased. Thanks for all the kindnesses shown to my family, especially since I took my flight a few days ago.

I trust each of you will find yourself in “My Caring Village” – forgive me if I didn’t mention you – just know that I know you were there.

May God Bless you always,

Love,

Garland Gilbert Smith

“I’ll keep the light on for you”

Again “I Have So Much to Thank God For”

- A funeral service will be held at Mt. Olivet Baptist Church, 8501 N. Chautauqua Blvd, Portland, OR on Thursday, July 17th, 2014, at 11am.

Visitation for the public will be held at Mt. Olivet one hour prior to the ceremony.

A graveside service and military honors will take place at Willamette National Cemetery, 11800 SE Mt Scott Blvd, Portland, OR, on Friday, July 18, 2014, at 9:30am.

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Arrangements under the direction of Skyline Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, Portland, OR.