Howard Smith Obituary

It is with a heavy heart, we inform you of the passing of our beloved Howard Joel Smith, of Greenville SC on Wednesday, October 8, 2025. Howard was born on July 30, 1937, to the late Elmer and Leona Smith in Buffalo, SC. He was the 9th child of 10, and the sole survivor of his family. Howard enlisted in the U.S. Army at the age of 17, and served for 22 years, honorably. He served two combat tours in Vietnam. He spent most of his career assigned to military intelligence attached to special forces out of Fort Bragg N.C. After he was honorably discharged, he attended Furman University and worked for the BI-LO Corp. as an auditor. Howard was a Free Mason. In addition to his parents and siblings, Howard was predeceased by his first wife Mary Jo Leatherwood; his second wife, Joyce Porter; his sons, Roger Dale Smith, Scott Daniel Smith, and Eddie Porter; his daughter, Lisa Sedgley Smith; and a grandson Matthew Porter. He is survived by his very special friend, Jean Merritt; and his children, Angela Pruett, Troy Smith (Tara), Mark Smith (Karen), Kurt Porter (Gail), Steve Porter; and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, October 13, 2025, at Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes, Northwest, 6710 White Horse Road, Greenville, SC. There will be no receiving of friends due to health issues in the family. Burial will be in Mountain View Memorial Gardens, Travelers Rest, SC. In lieu of flowers, you are asked to donate to your local Hospice house of your choice. Friends are encouraged to share their favorite memories of Howard with the family by clicking on the button labeled "Share A Memory".