Mr. James Harlan Smith, Sr.

March 5, 1936 - February 13, 2019

James Harlan Smith of Oklahoma City, OK passed from this life to the next on February 13, 2019 at 1:03 p.m. at Allied West Hospital in Midwest City, Ok. He was born in Oklahoma City on March 5, 1936. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Patsy (Lewis) Smith and has four children: James Jr. (Sylvia Ayala), of Chickasha, OK, Angelia Dewberry of Houston, TX, Stefan of Oklahoma City, OK and Sean (April McLilly) of West Palm Beach, FL. He is also survived by 9 grandchildren: Ebony, Davele, Amanda, Sherrell, Shedaye’, Shedarrah, Lane, Geneva, and Alexandria. Two step-granddaughters: Arica and Adeline. Six great-grandchildren: Zeiziah, Adarrius, Ziylan, Seleah, DeKaylen, Zeikiylin. Three step-great-grandchildren: Bryonna, Gavin and Laikynn. He was preceded in death by his father James Robert Smith; his mother Geneva Powers Jones; his Step father Alfred Jones, and his granddaughter Sheena. He was his parent’s only child. He graduated from Douglas High School in 1953 and immediately joined the United States Army where he served 8 years achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant. After receiving an Honorable Discharge from military service, he returned to Oklahoma where he then began a career at Western Electric (Lucent Technologies) and retired in 1991. He graduated from Langston University where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Management while commuting and attending night classes and helping Patsy raise four children. He loved a myriad of outdoor activities including hunting, fishing and camping. He was a boxer and won the Golden Gloves award during his time in the Army. He was a self-taught golfer who excelled at the sport winning several tournaments throughout his lifetime. The funeral service will take place at Rolfe Funeral Home, 2936 N. E. 36th on Saturday, February 23rd at 11 a.m. followed by the interment at Trice Hill Cemetery in Forest Park. A viewing of the body will be held at 10 a.m. on the day of the service at the funeral home.