Harry Lloyd Smith Jr's Obituary
Harry was born on May 12,1944 in Columbus, Ohio. After graduating from high school he enlisted in the Navy, and chose to be A submarine sailor, he served on the old Diesel boats, FBMs and Fast Attack Submarines. He loved the Navy.
In 1966 he married his beloved wife Claudia in Charleston SC
They were married for 51 years. As all Navy families know there are many Duty Stations and much traveling going back and fourth many times. In all it was Charleston SC, three times, Great Lakes, (for school) San Diego twice, Bangor, WA three times. In 1971 he received orders to Vietnam. Sailors didn't typically serve in Vietnam unless they were on a ship. He was sent as Naval Adviser on the River Patrol Boats training the Vietnamese military. He took the family to Tacoma , WA to stay as Claudia was from there and had family and friends there. By this time they had two boys Allen age 6 and Darren age 2.
When he returned from Vietnam. while he was in Charleston in 1982 He made CWO2 and was very proud of his achievement. We then headed to San Diego, and then to Bangor where he retired from the Navy in 1985. He then went to work for a Government Contractor developing curriculum for a while, then went to work for Ahearn Electric in Bremerton. He was there until he retired in 2009 to spend time with his family. Harry loved the outdoors so there were many camping trips with many friends and family wherever we happen to be at the time. After retirement we spent most of the time at Hood Canal where we had a camping spot for the fifth wheel on the Dosiwallips river. Many good times were shared by friends and family, shellfishing and fishing . There were many trips to Mexico, Vegas, Reno and visiting the local Casinos and for the last thirty years loved the game of Golf. He loved all of his Grandchildren and loved spending precious time with them.
Survivors include his Wife Claudia of Silverdale, WA, Darren (Wife Claudia) of Bremerton, Jennifer wife of late Son Allen , Seattle, five Grandchildren and one Great Grandson.
He was preceded in death by Son Allen, Brother Scott and his parents.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, February 15th at 1pm in the Garden Chapel at Mountain View Funeral Home, with a reception to follow. A brief viewing will take place directly before the service in the chapel, 12-1.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the SPCA or a cancer research center.
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