Harold Edward Smith, Sr., 81, passed away on September 16, 2011 at Rutherford Regional Hospital.  A native of Cleveland County, he was the son of the late William Edward and Novella Green Smith.  He was also preceded in death by a brother, Carl Smith and a sister Linda Bowen.  Mr. Smith worked for the Shelby City Police for 33 years and retired with the position of captain.  He was a member of First Baptist Church, a member of the Masonic Lodge 202, a founder and charter member of the Rescue Squad, a former member of the FOP, and member and past president of CCLEA and a member of the genealogical society.  He loved spending time with family, loved meeting new people and loved talking about genealogy. 

Mr. Smith is survived by his wife, Lucille Panther Smith; son, Harold Edward Smith, Jr, and wife Debbie from Wisconsin; daughter, Joy Smith Robinson and husband Jim of Shelby; brothers, Charles Smith and wife Nell of Grover; Jerry Smith and wife Sara of Shelby, Donald Smith and wife Paula of Shelby; sister, Brenda Dover of Grover; grandchildren, Alexis Serrano, Jamie Robinson, Julia Robinson, Jonathan Robinson, Katailyn Smith; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00am on Tuesday, September 20, 2011 at First Baptist Church Webb Chapel.  The Rev. Tony Tench will be officiating.  Burial will follow in Cleveland Memorial Park.  The family will receive friends from 5:30 – 7:00 at Cecil M Burton Funeral Home.  At other times the family will be at the home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Shelby Rescue Squad, 827 West Marion Street, Shelby, NC 28150 or The American Diabetes Association, 1701 North Beauregard Street, Alexandria, Va, 22311.

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family of Mr. Smith.

Guest Registry is available at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com