Lowell M. Smith Jr. was born on October 18, 1930 in Glen Aubrey NY to Lowell Sr and Gladys Hodges Smith. However, he would say that his real life began when he married JoAnne, on December 3, 1955. He lived a classic youth, playing high school sports with those who remained life-long friends, growing into adulthood with some of them and enlisting in the Naval Air Force. With honor, he served on five different aircraft carriers during the Korean War and saw the world as a sailor. After his tour, he met and married JoAnne and found employment with Hodges Builders running heavy equipment, then proudly became a foreman of a framing crew. He went on to run Miller Lumber in Owego, became a part owner of JTS Lumber in Cortland, then opened LM Smith Home Center in West Corners. Later, he worked for Blount Windows and Doors as the commercial sales manager, then inside sales at Endicott Lumber and Box and finally drove for Avis before finally retiring in his 80s.
Early in their marriage, Lowell and Jo had five children within 5 years, resulting in a very lively household. Although there were always challenges raising children, Dad provided a strong foundation on which our family grew. While JoAnne was the quiet force and backbone of the family, Dad was the teacher. He taught us integrity in business, fairness when dealing with others, how consequences should govern action and that family is the most important thing of all. He was the one who showed us reason when confusion made the waters murky. He taught us to be honest, fair, dependable and trustworthy.
Lowell had few hobbies but had many loves. Besides JoAnne and his children, Lowell adored bowling in leagues with friends and his sons, which included a sanctioned 300 and subsequent treasured ring. He also loved golfing, annual hunting trips to the Adirondacks with his pals and just being with his family.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, JoAnne and his children, Jeff (Lori), Gregg, Denise (Doug Hazlett), Cris and Julie Schanbacher. He was blessed with 12 grandchildren, Holly Smith (Tim), Shawn Baxter (Amy), Lucas Baxter (Sarah), Loren Smith (Amber), Greg Smith (Jennifer), Austin Smith (Kaeti) Elliott Hazlett, Morgan Hazlett (Layla) and Liza Hazlett (Cameron), Steffi, Christa and Kathryn Schanbacher and 17 greats. He also survived by JoAnne’s brothers and sisters, along with cousins, nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents, Lowell Sr and Gladys, his in-laws, Glenn and Nellie Wilcox, brothers-in-law Paul Wilcox, Luis Wilcox and Lynn Wilcox, son-in-law Dana Schanbacher, daughter-in-law Barbara Smith and grandson Joshua Schanbacher.
His whole family is deeply grateful for everyone who cared for Lowell. He received outstanding care from the VA in Binghamton and Syracuse and remembered Therese, Dennis and Brian for their excellent home care. And mostly, we are thankful to the compassionate staff at Mercy House and Hospice.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, March 17, 2021 at Sunset Memorial Services, 2659 Main Street, Whitney Point from 11 AM to 2 PM.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Sunset Memorial Services.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Mercy House, 212 N. McKinley Ave, Endicott NY 13760 in memory of Lowell Smith or to the charity of your choice.
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