Obituary of Harold Dee Smith Sr

Harold D. "Smitty, Pops, Papa" Smith Sr. Harold passed away on Tuesday, May 10, 2016 in Chico, California. Harold was born on May 6, 1932 in Meeker, Oklahoma. He was a long time resident of Gridley having owned and operated Smith's Welding Shop in Gridley. He enjoyed racing and old cars. He was best known for wearing his overall and telling tall tales. He was a very caring and giving man, and helped with raising many family members kids. In recent years he could be found most mornings and afternoons at McDonald's as a member of the McDonald's coffee gang. Harold also served his country in the U.S. Army for 2 years. He was preceded in death by his first wife Dorothy Smith and three sisters. He is survived by his loving wife of 9 years Marlene Smith of Gridley, CA; 1 son Harold Smith Jr. of Woodland, CA; 2 daughters Brenda of Arcata, CA; Christe Vieira of Gridley, CA; step-son James Davis, step-daughters Debra Colvin, Valarie Blair all of Gridley, CA; 1 sister Cora LaFee of Visalia, CA; 3 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and best buddies Tom Stane and Kenny Coffey. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, May 22, 2016 at 1:00 PM at the Gridley Veterans Memorial Hall. Family suggest contributions be made to the American Heart Association. Arrangements are entrusted to Gridley Block Funeral Chapel 530-846-2138.