Howard Duane Smith

Howard Duane Smith, age 90, of Douglasville, Georgia, passed away on October 23, 2026, at Southwest Christian Care Hospice in Union City, Georgia. He was born at home on February 11, 1936, in Shermansville, Pennsylvania, the son of Chester and Hilda (King) Smith.

Howard had a gift for making anyone feel like an old friend within minutes. He was always the life of the party, loved by all, endlessly optimistic, and the best joke teller around. He loved hunting, fishing, and being outdoors. He was an all-around one-of-a-kind wonderful man who brought laughter and joy wherever he went.

His early years were spent in Conneautville, Pennsylvania. His family had a farm there where he made many fond childhood memories. Ice skating on the pond, caring for the animals, and walking to the town theater with his brothers and sisters were just a few.

He moved to nearby Meadville, Pennsylvania, for his high school years. His family owned and ran Smith’s Restaurant on Chestnut Street, where he worked after school and practices. Howard played football and basketball in school and graduated from Meadville High School Class of 1955. During his senior year, he earned All-State Honors in football and went on to play football at Colorado State University on scholarship. He later graduated from Allegheny College with a degree in liberal arts. Howard enlisted in the United States Army, serving from 1957 to 1963. During his service, he experienced much of the world. He was stationed in Hamburg, Germany, where he also played football for the Army.

He then lived in Gulf Breeze and Pensacola, FL, for many years, working as Director of Sales for WCOA/WJLQ Radio and actively involved in numerous civic and social clubs. He developed many life long friends there. Responsible for so many fun outings and contests for the Radio Stations.

In 1998, Howard moved to Douglasville, Georgia, to be near his granddaughters and lived there for the remainder of his life. He was one wonderful grandpa, never missing their practices, games, auditions, plays, ballet recitals, swim meets, and countless other activities. He was always their biggest supporter and most enthusiastic cheerleader.

Howard is survived by his son, Scott H. Smith (Ellen Majeed), of Shalimar, Florida; his daughter, Suzy Hanzlik (Dennis), of Douglasville, Georgia; his granddaughters, Madison Spencer (Sean), of Goose Creek, South Carolina; Isabelle Richardson (Ryan), of Acworth, Georgia; and Kendall Hanzlik, of Atlanta, Georgia; his great-grandson, Brady Spencer; his sister, Patti Rockwell, of Meadville, Pennsylvania; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Hilda Smith; his brother, Robert Smith; his sister, Donna Hartzell; and his brother, Gerald Smith.

He will forever be loved and deeply missed by his family and the many friends whose lives he touched.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, Nov. 14 at 11 am. Hamlin Chapel United Methodist Church, 16460 State Hwy 198, Saegertown, PA 16433.