Alvin Smith Sr.

Alvin Ray Thomas Smith, Sr. 76, passed away on Sunday February 14, 2021 at the home in Kansas City, MO.

Alvin was born on April 6, 1944 in Prescott, Arkansas to the matrimony of O.C. Smith, Sr. and Azalee Smith who preceded him in death. The eldest of nine children, after receiving his education, our Dad went on to join the United States Army where he received awards for Rifle Marksmanship as a Vietnam Veteran.

As a young man, "Ray" as he was affectionately called by family and friends, met and married his wife of 45 years [until her death] Betty Ann McCullen-Smith. To this union four children were born: Selena Smith, Tawanna Smith; Alvin Smith, Jr., and Deidra Smith who both preceded him in death.

Our father was a man with an iron-clad work ethic and an even stronger conviction to care for his family financially. Dad did whatever jobs necessary to ensure that his family had all of what we needed and some of what we wanted. He was a strong advocate for education. Those of us who knew him understood that to use "bad grammar" around him was not acceptable. Daddy put himself through Carpenter's school and later used this skill to do side jobs of home remodeling and repair. Whatever it took to ensure that his family was taken care of he did. He drove 175 miles a day and endured much racial harassment as the only Black man on a construction crew in Marshall, MO during a time when it was not common for Black folk to be in and around Marshall, MO. Again, whatever it took for his family to have what they needed. In 1977, Dad took advantage of an employment opportunity with Ford Motor Company in Claycomo, MO where he worked until his retirement in 2010.

Not only did my father take care of his wife and children, but there were others for whom my father provided financial assistance. While he was a gentle man of few words, his heart was as big as my mother's. He didn't want many to know that. He had a smile that would light up the room and laughter that was contagious. As he continued to evolve after losing our mother in 2012, my brother, sister and I began to see, learn and know the essence of the man. He would speak to us about our mother and their relationship as well as his own progression in understanding who he was. My siblings and I had the privilege of witnessing what the bond of love and friendship looks like between a husband and wife. This was on display as my father pushed through his own pain and exhaustion to take care of our mother throughout her illness. The strength he displayed as he turned his focus to his son and two remaining daughters demonstrated for me what he famously said time and again, "If a dude can't do more for you than ole dad, leave him where he is!"

There are many who are mourning with my Sister and Me at his passing:  His eight siblings: Shirley McClendon, Clifton (Bernita) Smith, Richard (Lois) Smith, O.C. Smith, Jr., Ruby Cato, Gregory Smith, Jacqueline Brinkley, and Robert Smith. Grandchildren: Anitra Evans, Kierre Ware, Jaylan Smith, Tiffany Welch and Darrell Jones. Great-Grandchildren: Ada McCoy, Kameron Williamson and Adelya McCoy. Our Uncle Carl who forged a friendship with my Dad that transcended 5 decades. It was Uncle Carl whom my Dad asked for so that words of prayer could be spoken over him in his final days. Charlene Ross-Walker, one of my mother's best friends who became their friend and continued to keep an eye out for my father with her husband "Gator" Walker. During an ice storm a few years back, Dad lost power and Gator got out in the elements to go get Dad and take him to my brother's house.. Ms. Sandra Chatman, a gift from The Most High who sent her to Dad at just the right moment after losing our mother. You see, Ms. Chatman was there until the very end. Her caring ways, how she handled our dad and her commitment to their friendship was something he cherished and spoke about. The Father knows who we need and when we need them; thank you Ms. Chatman.

There are many stories that can be shared of how our father teamed up with our mother to provide food and/ or shelter to family and friends in need. Some sit in this room; some may be viewing online. Wherever you are, all we ask is that you pay it forward. Extend a hand to someone in need; just as my parents extended a hand to you. Avoid putting others down; that was the example of Mr. Alvin and Mrs. Betty Smith. Love one another while in person. These are the strengths of our people: Love and Community.

In honor of a man who sacrificed for his family, loved silently but hard and fought until the end… OUR Knight in glowing armor. We are requesting that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Harvesters Food Bank in honor of Alvin Smith, Sr.

Due to COVID-19, please respect social distancing and face covering guidelines. Temperature checks will be enforced.