Eugene Smith

Eugene Smith was born Monday, June 3, 1935, to the late Willie and Kathryn Smith. Eugene would grow up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and graduate from Schenley High School also located in Pittsburgh. Though after high school, Eugene worked as a Pennsylvania State Employee, one of his greatest accomplishments was becoming one of the first male nurses in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Throughout his career, he fulfilled various roles and was employed in multiple health and state facilities. However, he specialized in conflict resolution and impacted many staff, peers and correctional facility occupants with his impressionable intelligence and keen ability to teach a lesson in a genius, yet most humorous way. Affectionately known to his friends and loved ones as “Smitty,” and “Pop Pop” to his grands, one of Eugene’s greatest delights and most cherished time spent was with his loving children. He had a unique and special relationship with each of them which ultimately led to very close relationships with many of his grandchildren. One of the particular genetics passed down from Eugene, generation to generation, was his undeniable charm and impeccable people skills. Each one of his children and grandchildren carry a piece of that in them and will be forever grateful for the loving heart and natural charm he passed down to them all. Eugene was a Jehovah’s Witness at the Mount Pleasant Congregation in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where he really enjoyed studying the bible, especially its deep contents. He also had a passion for writing short stories and poetry based on his articulate thoughts and various life experiences. He believed life was for the living and should be full of laughter and love. He cherished his seventy-year friendship with James Jefferson who he met at age seventeen. At eighty-seven years of age, our beloved father, Eugene Smith, peacefully passed away on Thursday, November 10, 2022, with the comfort of his family by his side. He was preceded in death by his father, Willie Smith; mother, Kathryn Smith; sister, Jacqueline Flurry; wife, Carolyn D. Chestnut Smith; daughter, Eugenia Smith; and son, Ivan Smith. He is survived by his loving and adoring children, Marc Henderson, Eric Smith (Angelia), Vada Preston and Denise Smith; stepdaughters, Roslyn and Michelle Geary; special nephew, Jeffrey Banks; doting grandchildren, Jessica Burnett, Andre Clayton, Markeia Gordan, Nichole Henderson, Tennisha Plummer, Arionn Preston, LaPorscha Preston, Xavier Preston, Ayshia Smith, Erica Smith, Janay Smith, Sergio Smith, Sharell Smith, Tiffani Smith, Leonard Smith-Manning, Leondra Smith-Manning; twenty-eight great-grandchildren and eight great-great-grandchildren. The funeral will be held at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witness, 4331 Rodkey Road, Harrisburg, PA 17110, at a later date with further details to be announced by the family. FAMILY AND FRIENDS ARE ENCOURAGED TO CLICK ON THE SHARE A MEMORY TAB TO POST VIDEOS, SHARE MEMORIES, CONDOLENCES, REFLECTIONS OR SIMPLY LEAVE YOUR NAME.

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Eugene Smith

June 3, 1935 - November 10, 2022