Harold Wade Smith, 97, of Seminary, Mississippi, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, April 25, 2026, surrounded by his family.

The family likes to say Harold died of old age, simply slowing down in recent months after nearly a century of doing things his own way.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, April 28, from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m., with funeral services beginning at 11:00 a.m. at Eminence United Methodist Church. Reverend Ashley Ladner and Reverend Rodney Smith will officiate. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

Special music will be provided by his nephews.

Pallbearers will be Johnny Wayne Barnes, Wes Moore, Brett Smith, Jackson Smith, Joseph Smith, and Robert Smith.

Harold graduated from Moselle High School, though he was quick to tell anyone who asked that he graduated "old Lordy" and was glad to be done with school for good.

He spent more than 40 years as a fuel truck driver, beginning with Pure Oil and later with ExxonMobil for 30 years. He loved being behind the wheel and maintained a flawless safety record throughout his career, retiring in 1993. He also formed lifelong friendships during his working years.

In 1950, while living in Detroit and working in the auto factories alongside his brother Harlin, Harold was drafted into the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. He served four years before returning home to the Mississippi countryside he always loved.

Alongside his career, Harold farmed and raised cattle. Retirement simply meant he had more time to stay busy. He was a mechanical genius who never met an engine he couldn't repair. Whether born from Depression-era resourcefulness or simple determination, Harold could fix nearly anything and was always willing to help neighbors and family do the same.

He was happiest in his yard, in his garden, in the barn, tinkering with something, or anywhere work needed to be done. Harold believed in faith, family, and the value of honest labor. He often credited the family's long life to good genes, close kin, and country living.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Sylvester "Vester" Smith and Beulah Olivia Wade Smith; his beloved wife of 67 years, Juanita Leggett Smith; and his brothers Harlin Dean Smith and J.R. Smith.

He is survived by his sons, Dr. Richard "Rick" Smith (Sharon) of Ocean Springs, MS and Stephen Smith (Ruth) of Franklin, TN; grandsons Brett Smith (Paulina) of Nashville, TN, Jackson Smith of Milwaukee, WI,  and Joseph Smith of Huntsville, AL; brother R.V. Smith (Linda) of Moselle, MS; sisters Barbara Moore of Moselle, MS,  June Montgomery of Hattiesburg,  MS, and Vonniece Butler of Moselle, MS; along with many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to Eminence United Methodist Church, c/o Alicia Sanford, Treasurer, 340 Craft Road, Collins, MS 39428.

Harold lived a long, productive life, deeply rooted in the people and land he loved. He will be greatly missed.