Arthur "Sonny" Smith

A REFLECTION OF LIFE God saw the road was getting rough, the hills were hard to climb. He gently closed his loving eyes and whispered, “Peace Be Thine.” My strength renewed, my hope restored, “Lord, I am coming home.” On Easter (Resurrection) Sunday morning, March 27, 2016, God called our beloved Arthur “Sonny” Smith home from labor to reward. He was the oldest son born to the late Gilbert and Ola Jones Smith on February 12, 1929 in Mount Vernon, MD. He received his formal education in the public schools of Somerset County, Maryland. His early Christian training was received at St. Paul United Methodist Church in Mount. Vernon, the church he called “down home.” Sonny had an unwavering faith in God and after leaving home, he joined and was baptized at First Baptist Church in Salisbury, had affiliation with Mills Memorial Baptist Temple, and was a current member of New Hope Baptist Church. There he was part of the Men’s Ministry and Men’s Choir until his health began to fail. He used to sing and favored the hymn, “Amazing Grace.” On April 12, 1950, Sonny, as he was fondly called by all who knew him, married the former Luetta Savage and to this union three children were born. Shortly after marriage, he joined the United States Marine Corps and served during the Korean Conflict. Sonny had a passion for cooking and that led to his career choice in the culinary field. During his early years, he was a professional chef at the New York University, NYC, and after moving back home, he cooked at several area restaurants, demonstrating his craft. He retired in May 2003 from SHORE UP! Incorporated in janitorial and bus aide services. His post-retirement employment was with Service Management Systems at the Centre of Salisbury. Sonny lived a full and happy life. He loved people, especially his family, all of them, and always would remind you of who was his cousin or other relative. He doted on the grand and great grandchildren. They were all special to him, so much so that it seemed at one time, he was running a Pop Pop taxi for them, in his little gray Accord (the slowest car on the road). His favorite saying to them was “act like you know.” He enjoyed walking his dog Misty until she passed. Sonny was a talker and never met a stranger. He had a jovial, peaceful spirit and would do anything for you if he could. He loved to dress up in his Sunday suits and would start shining his shoes days ahead of any event. He was small in stature but had a very big heart. Lately, you could find him sitting in his favorite rocking chair covered from head to toe, asleep. He had "fought a good fight and finished his course and was ready to “Go Home.” He leaves to cherish his memory: his wife of 66 years, Luetta; one son, Stephen Allen Smith of Fruitland, MD; two daughters, Jaunesta Smith Cannon of Salisbury, MD and Donzella R. Smith of Silver Spring, MD; one uncle Prosser Smith of Princess Anne, MD; two sisters-in-law, Frances Corbin Smith of Salisbury, MD and Mary Ellen Robertson (William) of Norfolk, VA; 8 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Stephanie Ann Smith; two brothers James Smith, Sr. and Reverend Rawna L. Smith, Sr.; his mothers-in-law, Alberta Finney Bagwell and Elizabeth Finney Savage; his fathers-in-law Isaac Savage and Ernest Bagwell as well as several aunts and uncles. Lovingly Submitted ~ The Family To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Arthur "Sonny" Smith , please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

Arthur "Sonny" Smith

February 12, 1929 - March 27, 2016