TRIBUTE TO GARLAND SMITH, JR.
WHEREAS, God in His Infinite Wisdom, called Garland Smith Jr, a most respected citizen, he was born in Pine Bluff, Arkansas to the union of Garland Smith, Sr., and Isabel Bradley-Smith on April 4, 1935. Both parents preceded him in death at a very early age. ; and
WHERERAS, This august body has been informed of the beloved Garland Smith Jr, passing by the Honorable Carrie M. Austin, Alderman ofthe 34th Ward; and
WHEREAS, Garland, attended Merrill High School in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. He relocated to Chicago and lived with his Uncle Carpers Bradley for most of his growing years. He joined the United Stated Army in 1958 and was called back to duty during the Cuban Missile Crisis and was later honorably discharged; and
WHEREAS, Garland met the love of his life Charlene Smith in Chicago, IL and they were joined in holy matrimony on September 25, 1960. They shared sixty-two wonderful years together loving and raising three children: Daryl, Sharon, and Christopher. Garland's life revolved around his family, and it was evident that being a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather bought him the greatest joy; and
WHEREAS, During his early of life, Garland obtained a license as a Barber/Cosmetologist where he serviced many family members and friends in the comfort of his home, inviting them to chat and have coffee and donuts after a haircut. He worked at Western Electric for 30 years while also earning his diploma in Electric and Refrigeration from Coyne Institute. He later became a Property Assessor for Cook County for twenty years, when he decided to retire from the workforce and enjoy life's next chapter of life-retirement.; and
WHEREAS, He was well known in the family as "Baby Jr." by his brothers and sister, and in the neighborhood as Smitty." He loved fishing, grilling, playing cards, telling storied and his infamous humorous jokes, he had a story for everything and was never afraid to tell it more than once, He shared gre...
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