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Sidney Smith
Sylvester's Son
Sylvester "Smitty" Smith
September 17th - July 2nd, 2024
September 17th - July 2nd, 2024
"So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you." John 16:22.
Sylvester Smith Passes Away at 81
It is with great sadness that we announce on July 2, 2024, Sylvester Smith of Longwood, Fl peacefully departed his earthly life after a brief, valiant battle with cancer at Advent-Health Hospice in Altamonte Springs, Florida surrounded by his loving family. Sylvester, a beloved husband, father, grandfather was 81 years old.
Sylvester, born on September 17, 1942, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina to the late Carrie Smith and Clyde Mack. He grew up to be a resolute, impactful accomplished man. He was a 1960 graduate of Atkins High School, North Carolina A&T State University (B.S. 1964), Cheyney State University (M.S. 1971). He remained a proud active Aggie alum throughout his life.
Sylvester's professional career reflects his commitment to service and his global impact. The highlight, most rewarding, and impactful of his extensive employment history was as Program Manager, Career Trainer, and Technical Adviser with the Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC) America in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and OIC International in Accra, Ghana, Lagos, Nigeria and Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Sylvester with his family settled in Willingboro, N.J. upon returning Stateside. In 1981, recruited by Martin Marietta Aerospace (Lockheed Martin) he relocated his family to Florida. While Owner and President of SidCo Enterprises, a management consulting firm, Sylvester worked with ITT Community Development Corporation, as a manager. He was intricately involved in the building and establishment of the Palm Coast, FL communities.
An entrepreneur at heart, Sylvester briefly owned an Orlando Printing Co. prior to devoting full time to his successful management consulting firm, SidCo Enterprises, specializing in the national and international oil, gas, and coal mining industries.
Sylvester's dedication extended far beyond his professional life. He was a beloved member of the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., serving as the president of the Orlando chapter and holding various other leadership positions throughout his life. He served his community as a youth basketball coach. Sylvester, a man with an array of talents with an unbelievable knowledge base such as: a biblical scholar, an orator known for his vast vocabulary; a historical genius, a blues enthusiast, and a political aficionado.
Sylvester’s physical presence will be deeply missed by family and all who know him. Sylvester, predeceased by his sister, LouBertha Smith Barber. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Jacqueline; children: son Sidney (Greenbelt, MD), daughter Stacey Smith Morton (Chicago, IL), and son Sadat (Ocoee, FL); Five grandchildren, Sasha, Lola, Isaiah, Jordan, and Sloane, and his uncle, Willie Smith (Winston Salem, NC). Sylvester's legacy will live on through the lives he touched and the positive impact he made on his family, friends, and communities.
Sylvester will not have a funeral service. The family will announce a memorial service to celebrate Sylvester's life at later date. If desired, in his memory the family requests donations to the American Cancer Society: https://raiseyourway.donordrive.com/campaign/Sylvester-Smith-ACS-Memorial
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Sidney Smith
Here is a draft of the narrative based on the prompt: From the time I was a little boy, my father, Sylvester Smith, has been more than a role model to me. He's been everything I've wanted to be as a man - focused, diligent, and there for each of us in moments of need, large and small. I remember imitating his smooth, cool walk as a boy, the way he would lean back against a wall with one leg propped up behind him. He just exuded this effortless confidence and style. I was so proud when he had matching leather jackets and pants made for us in the 70's - his was black, mine was brown. Over time, I began to realize my father had an unparalleled knowledge of world events, both current and historical. Socially, politically, nationally, and globally - if there was any topic I wanted an in-depth understanding of, I would always consult my father. His depth of knowledge was truly impressive. He lived a full life, embodying the words of Frank Sinatra's signature song: "I did it my way." Strong, energetic, purposeful, and engaged - until the final weeks of his life. I was never more impressed with him than I was in those final days. Mentally strong, concerned for our well-being, and providing steady leadership. Our family will miss our patriarch, our mighty lion, dearly.
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