Howard Robert Smith

The family of Howard Robert Smith is deeply saddened to announce his passing due to the effects of Alzheimer's disease on August 12th, 2024 at the age of 79 years. Howard was born in Morristown, NJ on May 26th, 1945 to Mr. and Mrs. Chauncey "Bud" and Virginia Smith. The family relocated to Florida in 1952 where Howard and his brother Douglas enjoyed growing up in Titusville and later Fort Lauderdale. Howard graduated from Stranahan High School in 1963 and began his law enforcement career in 1964 as a cadet with the Fort Lauderdale Police Department. He served for 30 years as an officer, police academy instructor, and sergeant, with a passionate initiative for DUI enforcement. He spent his retirement volunteering in the community, including as a reserve officer for the City of Maryville Police Department. A meticulous and honest man, Howard dedicated his life to protecting, serving, and educating. He was a devout Catholic, a generous giver, an accomplished pianist, a skilled wood craftsman, a Lifetime and Golden Eagle member of the NRA, and had a silly sense of humor that will be remembered by all those he encountered. Howard was preceded in death by wife Patricia, parents Chauncey and Virginia, and beloved son Kevin. Left to cherish his memory are daughter Lori Schmidt and Steve Schmidt, brother Douglas Smith and wife Deborah, grandson Brandon Reno and wife Kelsey, great granddaughter Rebecca Reno, grandson Justen Smith, niece Deborah "Didi" Kircher and family, nephews Douglas and David Smith, first wife and friend Lorraine Lawrence and the Lawrence family, as well as a large, loving Thin Blue Line family and many friends. Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 21st at 5:00 pm at Smith Funeral and Cremation Services in Maryville, TN with receiving friends from 3:00 - 5:00 pm. Family and friends are invited to share fellowship and a meal at the Life Event Center after services have conclude. A Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church at 9:30 am on Monday, September 23, 2024 with the graveside service and interment to follow at Grandview Cemetery at 11:00 am. Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Alzheimer's Tennessee.  Condolences may be shared through Smith Funeral and Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000. www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com