Roy Howard Smith Sr.

Roy Howard Smith Sr., age 80 of Howland Township, went home to be with the Lord at 9:29 a.m. Friday, August 26, 2011, at Trumbull Memorial Hospital following a lengthy illness. He was born July 10, 1931 in East Liverpool, the third child of the late Joseph and Laura Jane Hindman Smith. From the time he was a toddler, he was raised by Leonard and Alice Higley in McKinley Heights. Roy attended Niles High School and received an honorary high school diploma by the Niles board of education in recognition of his military service in the Korean War. He served in the Marine Corps from 1948-1956, where he became involved with and enjoyed the sport of boxing. He was employed through and a member of the IUOE Local 66B for 54 years, retiring in 1994. Roy was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and loyal friend. He was an avid hunter, boater, trap and skeet shooter, fisherman and golfer. He loved spending time outdoors and tinkering with his cars. Roy will be deeply missed by his devoted wife of 55 years, Thalia T. (Tanaka) Smith, whom he married May 26, 1956; three daughters, Zelda (Keith) DiNunzio of Canfield, Arlene (William) Kress of Burleson, Texas and Diane (Gentry) Matlock of Howland; one son, R. Howard (Lori Ulicky) Smith Jr. of Liberty; nine grandchildren, Raquel and Natalie DiNunzio, Christopher and Mathew Kress and Sheldon, Gabrielle, Gentry "E.J.", Brandon and Ky'Renae Matlock; one sister, Jane DeCavitch of Liberty and many nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; by Leonard and Alice Higley and by a brother, Joseph Court. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at Roberts-Clark Funeral Chapel in Warren and also one hour prior to the noon funeral service Tuesday, August 30, 2011at Central Baptist Church, 1301 North Road, Niles. Pastor Garrick L. Matlock will officiate. Entombment will be at Greenhaven Memorial Mausoleum, Canfield, where military honors will be accorded.