Mr. Leroy Smith

Leroy Smith, Sr. (“Smitty” as he was affectionately called by many) retired educator, administrator, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend, entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, September 10, 2014, at Tuomey Regional Healthcare System of South Carolina. Born in Sumter, South Carolina on August 13, 1928, he was the older of two children of the late Dewey Smith and Rebecca Jackson Smith. His father worked in the steel mills and his mother took in clothes to wash, but at an early age they encouraged him to learn how to read the newspaper. Leroy enjoyed the benefits of reading. He quickly realized that to be successful in life, it was important to get a solid foundation that only education could provide. He wanted the same for his children. Leroy’s elementary and secondary training was in the public schools of Sumter. In 1945, he graduated from Lincoln High School, attended Morris College and in 1949 received his Bachelor of Arts degree in biology. Upon graduation, Leroy became employed in the Lee County School district as a teacher and principal at Sandy Bluff Elementary School; He sincerely loved being an integral part of the Lee County community, working with the boys and girls; as well as developing what became lifelong friendships. In 1951, the new Ebenezer Elementary School opened and he became the principal. After four successful years of employment in Lee County, in 1954, Mr. Smith married a marvelous teacher named Nannie Duren Smith. In 1962, Mr. Smith returned to school and completed graduate work and obtained his M.Ed degree at North Carolina College at Durham, in Durham, North Carolina. Continuing his career, in 1966, he became the director of the Lee County Summer Head Start Program; 1970 -1983, Assistant Title I Chapter 1 Coordinator and Media Coordinator; and in 1983 served as the Attendance Supervisor. Mr. Smith did additional studies at the University of Indiana and the University of South Carolina. After 41 years of service in education and contributions to the development of children, and to the community of the Lee County Department of Education Mr. Smith retired. However, his service to others continued. Since the age of six, Mr. Smith was a dedicated member and leader at Emmanuel United Methodist Church. He served in numerous capacities in the church. He was president of the United Methodist Young Adult Fellowship, Chairman of the Commission on Stewardship and Finance, the chairman of the Pastor Parish Relationship Committee, Board of Trustees, the United Methodist Men, Administrative Board, the Sunday School Superintendent, teacher and Sunday School. For many years, Mr. Smith was responsible for the ongoing coordinating and continuous membership of the Emmanuel United Methodist Church Boy Scout Troop #136. Most of all, he enjoyed teaching his Adult Sunday School class. Mr. Smith contributed to social, civic and cultural welfare of the Sumter community. Some professional, civic and social affiliations include membership in the National Education Association, South Carolina Education Association, Lee County Education Association, Association of Education Communication and Technology, Political Action Committee, the S.C. Retired Teachers Association, S.C. Association of Attendance Supervisors, Lee County Media Specialists, P.T.A., North Main Community Club, N.A.A.C.P., Democratic Party member and poll manager. He was a Volunteer leader - Education Division of the United Way, Leader-Education Division American Cancer Society – Lee County and a member of the Morris College Alumni Association. Over 60 years ago, Mr. Smith joined the St. Paul Masonic Lodge and served as a Senior Warden. He was a warm, generous person who never met a stranger. He believed in family. He was very organized, and a stickler for following the rules and details. He was athletic, played checkers and believed in good healthy habits, such as no smoking. For several years, he walked three days a week with the Mall Walkers Club. He did his own yard work and house repairs. Also, he loved fishing, but most of all he loved hunting. For many years until recently, Mr. Smith was an avid hunter and member of two hunt clubs where he was the secretary and financial manger. Mr. Smith LOVED his children and LIFE! In addition to his parents and wife of 53 years, Mrs. Nannie D. Smith, he was preceded in death by a son, Arthur Girard Tips Smith, 2 grandchildren, Jackson Clayton, Alexis Danielle Smith; and a sister, Mary Smith Turner. Those left to cherish precious memories are two daughters; Doris Carolyn (Moses) Rice, Los Angeles, CA, Janet Smith Clayton, Sumter, SC and one son, Leroy Smith, Jr., Columbia, SC; seven grandchildren, Andre Rice, Monique Rembert, Jonathan William Fields, III, Alycen N. Clayton, Angelica C. Clayton, and their father, William Clayton, Malasia Tips and Shakira Tips; six great-grandchildren, Andre Rice, Jr., Danielle Rice, Kiandra Prymer, Clayton Grate, Mariah Fields and Ashlynn Field; a future daughter in-law, Rosalyn Frierson. He also enjoyed a host of wonderful and special nieces, nephews, relatives and two special friends, Anne H. Connors and Pearline Boyd. He especially loved his god-children, Sonjan Johnson, Deanna Fountain-Breelan and Walter”Chuck” Wilson.

Mr. Leroy Smith

August 13, 1928 - September 10, 2014