Edward Lee Smith, Sr. entered his family on a cold winter day on January 18, 1934, in Tuskegee, Alabama. He was a blessing to his parents: John Wesley Smith, Sr. and Dessie Kelly Smith. Edward was preceded in death by his parents, John and Dessie Smith; his brothers, Samuel Smith, Ben Smith, and Moses Smith; his sisters, Leila Mahone, Estella Carlis, and Gladys Smith Moss; and his brothers-in-law, Jimmy Lloyd Terry and Theodore Washington.
Edward was known to be a great example to others. He was a hard worker and made great choices in life. Among those choices is his wonderful wife of 67 years, Cindy Smith. Their union gave birth to three devoted children: Edward Jr, Anthony, and Tonya Smith.
Although middle school was Edward’s highest education, his solid work ethic led him to accomplish much and to excel in many areas of life. In 1952, he joined the U.S. Army to serve honorably during the Korean War until 1955. After his military career, Edward relocated to Detroit, Michigan.
In 1956, he began working for the government at the United States Postal Service and retired in 1989. He worked hard and earned several promotions throughout his career. He held positions as an elevator operator, a security guard, a mechanic’s helper, a general mechanic Level 5, and a mail processor mechanic Level 6. He finally rose to the position of mail processor Level 7. He made history by being promoted from a temporary laborer to a Level 7 mechanic, an achievement that no one had previously accomplished. As the saying goes, “He started from the bottom and worked his way to the top” in his field. In 1988, he was awarded the Certificate of Grateful Appreciation for his dedicated service of an honorable career of 36 years in the United States Postal Service. That same year, he also received a Certificate of Appreciation for Zero Sick Leave during his career.
While working for the Postal Service, Edward’s ambition and mechanical abilities were not fully utilized. He started Smith Landscaping and took on other jobs in construction as a truck driver’s helper, in garage demolition, in cleaning out houses, and in hauling garbage. Edward was a successful entrepreneur and still found time to farm fresh vegetables for his family.
His thirst for knowledge and the need to better himself led him back to school multiple times. He earned numerous certificates in the repair of automatic washers, gas and electric dryers, refrigerators, electrical wiring, personal computers, and small engines as well as a certificate in professional locksmithing.
As part of giving back, Edward received a certificate of recognition from Disabled American Veterans in appreciation of his generous donations to provide much-needed services for disabled veterans. He also received a commendation and recognition for his contributions to the USPS. He was recognized for his active and loyal membership in the American Postal Worker Union AFL-CIO.
Edward was not all work and no play. He enjoyed bowling and boasted an average of 289; he won 27 trophies for his skills. Although he enjoyed bowling, baseball was his favorite sport. He followed local teams in the Pony Express League and was given a certificate in grateful recognition from the Pony Express for his commitment and contributions. He was a coach whose team won the USSSA Black American World Tournament Fun Valley in 1997. He also loved music and was well-known for cutting the rug at family gatherings.
Edward is survived by his loving wife, Cindy Smith; his children, Edward Smith Jr. (Carla), Anthony Smith (Krystal), and Tonya Smith; brother, John Wesley Smith Jr., sister; Leola Smith-Allen, Sister-in-law, Dora Nell Gauntt; grandchildren, Markey KeShawn Crenshaw, Scherrie Barley (Sedric), Chelsea White (Duann), Wesley Smith (Shanekia); great-grandchildren, NcKeesa White, Laila White as well as a host of beloved nieces and nephews.
On December 10, 2022, Edward transitioned and left a life to be celebrated.
A family hour/visitation for Edward will be held Saturday, December 17, 2022 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Harry J Will Funeral Homes, 25450 Plymouth Rd., Redford, Michigan 48239, followed by a funeral service at 12:00 PM.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.HarryjWillRedford.com for the Smith family.
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