Harry Lee Smith
July 17, 1936 ~ December 13, 2020
Harry Lee Smith, 84, of Greenville, IL passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, December13, 2020. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to Bond County Humane Society or Meals on Wheels.
Harry was born July 17, 1936, "in a chicken coop, per Harry," in Greenville, IL. His parents were Wayne and Frances (nee Hubbard) Smith. He married Emma Jean Massey, of Sorento, in 1956. They divorced in 1980 and she passed away in 2001. Harry and Emmy had three children: Kathi (Dan) Barnett of Pottsboro, TX; Pam (Tim) Neary of McKinney, TX; Andy (Dorie Fornero) Smith of Mercer, WI; as well as 2 grandchildren, Drew Michael Smith and Zachary Morton.
He later married Marilyn Langel, on May 11, 1991, in Las Vegas, NV, from which he gained James Ridings, of Greenville, IL; Richard (Barb) Ridings, of Greenville, IL; Brent (Kim Cruse) Langel of Donnellson, IL; grandchildren: Adam, Richie, Kayla, Travis, Rachel, Megan, and Lucas Ridings; Amanda and Emilia Langel; and 15 great grandchildren.
He is also survived by his sister Mary Serbantes of Los Angeles, CA.
He is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Betty and husband, Don Newlin; and brother-in-law, Gene Serbantes.
Harry was a member of Greenville Jaycee's for many years and received multiple awards, including the Rooster Award. He owned several restaurants and pizza shops over the years - The Snack Shack, Elm's Café, 0292 Pizza House, and the A&W Root Beer Stand, which later became Harry's Drive In. He drove a bus for 32 years and painted numerous homes and businesses in the area. Harry loved vintage cars, especially his 1965 red Mustang. He enjoyed fishing and deer hunting with family, as well as, playing checkers with his grandchildren. As he got older, he loved watching old westerns.
Harry never met a stranger and had many friends. He always had a great story or joke to share. He was one of a kind and will be greatly missed.
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Kathy, Pam, Andy, our sincere sympathy on the passing of your Dad. We had a lot of good times with him at Mom’s through the years. Living across from the football field we where on the daily bus path. Always a wave or honk. Stopped by when we where in the yard. Always had a story or something to pass on. I know you will miss him. RIP, Harry. As always, Tom and Wanda (Hill) McCasland
Harry Smith was my first boss– I worked at the Elms Cafe and learned a lot from Harry. He was a very kind man and always treated his workers fairly. He will always hold a soft spot in my heart. Condolences to his children. Gloria Thomas
My heart goes out to you, Kathi, Pam, and Andy. Seems like yesterday when our Dads were JCSs, riding ponies together, and working at the A & W a few weeks with you and Lori. Your Dad was always there for us. Miss him. Randy Schmidt Cooper.
My sincere sympathy to Harry’s family, Marilyn, his 3 children, grandchildren, & his sister Mary. I knew Harry & his family & was raised just a block from them. With Love, Phyllis Wasmuth Johnson