Harold Smith Obituary, Death – On January 20, 2023, Harold F. “Boaby” Smith, who had lived in White Hall his entire life and had reached the age of 83, passed away at Jacksonville Memorial Hospital. On January 31, 1939, his birth took place inside White Hall. His parents, Harold R. Smith and Ella F. McMillen were the ones who gave birth to him. He was his parents’ son. Betty Eileen Rabe was the one who preceded him in death on December 7, 2021. They had been married since October 15, 1956, and the ceremony took place in Bowling Green, Missouri.
He is survived by his two daughters, Becky (Ron) Gilmore and Patty (Duane) Westnedge, both of White Hall, his son, Chris (Theresa) Smith, also of White Hall, eight grandchildren, Derrick (Amber) Gilmore, Joshua (Nicole) Gilmore, Brett (Melissa) Westnedge, Clancy (Cory) Maher, Luke Westnedge, Carrissa Smith, Kaitlyn Smith, and Tori Smith, and nine great His parents, his wife, and four brothers—John, Donald, Thomas, and Clarence Smith—preceded him in death. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family.
Harold has worked at the Laclede Steel Mill in Alton for the entirety of his working career, which spans a total of 33 years. In addition to this, he was the sole proprietor of Smith Builders, which he had operated for close to two decades. His hobbies included anything outdoors, particularly hunting, fishing, and camping. He also enjoyed working with wood. He was a devoted Christian who was active in the First Baptist Church in White Hall, where he was a member of the church’s deacon staff. When he was able to spend time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he felt like he was living his best life. He cherished those moments. In addition to that, he served as an Alderman for the City of White Hall for a while.
Funeral services will be held at the White Hall First Baptist Church on Tuesday, January 24, 2023, at one o’clock in the afternoon. The burial will follow the funeral services in the White Hall Cemetery. The date and time of these events have not yet been determined. On Tuesday, visitation will begin at eleven in the morning and continue at the church all the way up until the commencement of the services. This will take place at the church. Donations in memory of the deceased can be donated to the White Hall First Baptist Church in place of flowers. It is the responsibility of the Airsman-Hires Funeral Home located in White Hall to make the proper arrangements.