Lee H. Smith, Sr.

Lee Henry Smith, Sr. was born on April 18, 1936 to the union Sam Smith, Sr. and Lilliar Gee Raggs-Smith in Leland, MS. Lee Henry was the 6th child born of 12 during the union. His parents, 5 brothers (Sam, Jr., Daniel, Roosevelt, James, and Eugene) and 6 sisters (Johnnie Mae, Sally Christine, Lorene, Anna Laura, Olean, and Ruth) preceded him death.

Lee Henry confessed his hope in Christ at a very young age and continue to grow his faith well into many decades later.

Lee Henry was a product of the Leland School System in Leland, MS graduating from Coleman High School. He later relocated to East Chicago, IN. Lee Henry joined in marriage with Daisy Gilson in 1956. To this union, 5 sons were born – Ray, Sr., Lee Henry, Jr., Gregory, Jeffrey, Sr., and Sylvester Sr. His son, Ray, also preceded him death. Although this marriage would dissolve, Lee Henry and Daisy remained close friends until his transition.

Lee Henry later remarried Lillian Jones-McGruder and became a bonus father to her children – Lillie, Minnie, Wallace, and Elaine. His wife, Lillian, and one grandchild preceded him in death.

Lee Henry loved his family – whether blood or bonus. He leaves to cherish memories and legacy: Sons – Lee Henry, Jr. (Diane), Gregory (Kyra), Jeffrey (Cynthia), and Sylvester, Sr. (Shannon), one daughter – Tonette Beals, bonus son – Wallace McGruder, bonus daughters – Lillie Jones, Minnie McGruder, and Elaine McGruder Payne, sisters in law – Pearlean Jones, Geneva Campbell, Earline Allen, Alice Travis, Irene Chandler, and Lula Bell Robinson, two brothers in law – George Jones and James Gilson, 53 grandchildren, 60 great- grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins, special friends – Daisy Beals, Henry Patterson, and Sharene Jackson.

Lee Henry was a member of the Mt. Hermon Baptist Church for many years until his health begin to fail him. He also became an active member of the Lakeside Masonic Lodge #47 in 1976. He served as Worshipful Master and Past Master for many years. For a number of years, Lee Henry served as an Instructor at Lakeside Lodge. He was a member of the Magic City Consistory #62 in Gary, IN for 40 years and was recognized for having 4 grandsons to come into the Masonry in the same year. Lee Henry became known in the community for his mentorship to the many young men growing up in East Chicago. He served the community in various capacities and left life long impressions upon generations in his area of residence. He was noted and known for one of his favorite hobbies – repairing cars.

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