Roland O. Smith, Sr., 79, died May 21, 2012 in Fort Lauderdale from complications of COPD. Roland was born in South Carolina in 1933, and was raised in North Carolina where he lived until 1960. He met his wife Glenda as a child, and they were married in 1950. Roland operated a service station for 8 years before moving to Florida in 1960 to pursue a new-found interest in photography. In 1961, Roland and Glenda opened Roland Smith Enterprises, a school photography business. Their business skyrocketed within a few years. Soon they employed: all three children, Sandra, Janet and Randy; their spouses, Allen and Mary; and their grandchildren, Rhonda, Reneé, Rob, Ron, Jeremy and Brittany. It was truly a family owned and operated business. In 2004, Roland ventured into another business, Beyond Billiards. Billiards had always been Roland’s favorite past-time, so when the opportunity was presented, he purchased the 21-table poolroom. He retired in 2006. Roland came from humble beginnings and rose to great success, despite adversity along the way. He was a true “rags to riches” story. Family always came first to Roland. Family and friends referred to him as “Dad.” He was always there to listen, offer advice, or lend a hand. He was a kind and generous man, and will be greatly missed. He was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, Glenda Smith, and grandson Jeremy Smith. Survivors include: Companion Jean Rose, Sister Carole Whitley; 3 Children Sandra Lips, Janet Seymour and Randy Smith Roland Jr., 5 Grandchildren Rhonda, Reneé, Rob, Ron, and Brittany and 5 Great-grandchildren Cody, Taylor, Kasey, Madison and Brooke. Visitation will be Saturday, May 26, 2012, from 11am-1pm with a Funeral Service at 1:00 PM, at Boyd-Panciera University Drive Chapel.
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Betty and Hyman Swirsky (Sunrisee FL)
May 23, 2012, 12:00 am
Sandy, Alan and Family, we are very sorry for your loss. Your father was a wonderful person. I’m sure he’ll be missed.
Sincerely,
Zacharia and Swirsky Family
Lisa Zacharia (Palm Harbor FL)
May 23, 2012, 12:00 am
Deep condolences Sandy, Allen, Rhonda, Renee and Randy. With love, Lisa Zacharia and family.
Carol Sadowski (Plantation FL)
May 23, 2012, 12:00 am
Even though I haven’t seen Roland, or any other of his family, for years, I have often thought of you all and I fondly remember the good old days when I joined in on family events. Health and other issues have precluded me from that over the years, but you all remain in my thoughts, and espcially now. I always felt that Glenda and Roland had the best marriage ever, and I think you all were blessed to have such a wonderful set of parents and grandparents. I know Roland has been suffering for quite awhile, but now he is pain free and at peace. I am sure you feel that Glenda has welcomed him with open arms, and they will dance together forever more. He was a wonderful man, husband and father. If health permitted, I’d be with you on Saturday, but it just isn’t possible. With sincere and deep condolences. Carol
Sam Lips and Reba Druda (The Villages FL)
May 23, 2012, 12:00 am
Sandy, Janet, Randy, and all Roland’s family,
We were so sorry to hear about Roland’s passing away.
We are too far away to be there in person, so please accept this note with our deep condolences.
We always enjoyed being in his company, and we know that he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Reba and Sam
Jacqueline Perez (Cooper City FL US)
May 24, 2012, 12:00 am
To the Smith Family,
May the Lord give you all “Peace and Comfort” through this time. And “Joy” knowing your father is in the arms of our Savior! God Bless and lifting your whole family up in prayers.
“Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10
Jacqueline Perez / PCA
The Hewlett Family (Davie FL US)
May 24, 2012, 12:00 am
Our family has known you through your amazing daughter “Ms. Sandy”, and your great grandkids here at Potential Christian Academy. They are a living testament to your life example. We are praising God in the knowledge that you smile down on us in great comfort and joy from Heaven!
Muriel Hanson (Cooper City FL US)
May 25, 2012, 12:00 am
Love you Sandy.
You truly “Honour your Father and Mother”
I will be praying for you and your beautiful family.
Sharon Fallon (the Villages FL US)
May 26, 2012, 12:00 am
Dear Randy, Sandy, Janet, and family.
I send you my love, thoughts and prayers to help you through this sad time. I know the passing of your Dad is a difficult time for you. Just remember that he is in a far better place now with the Lord in peace and happiness.
I can’t tell you how bad I feel that I cannot be there with you right now, but my surgery prevents me from making the trip. I know you all realize that if there was anyway I could be there for you, I would be there at your side to share a hug, a memory or two, and to pay tribute to “Dad”.
You will always be like family to me and I will keep all my memories of all the years we have been together in a special place in my heart.
I love you all!
Sharon