Harold W. "Hoppy" Smith

Harold W. “Hoppy” Smith (87) passed away peacefully on December 19, 2024, with his family by his side.

Born October 27, 1937, to Marian and William Smith, Hoppy grew up in Campbell, NY with his 5 siblings.

Hoppy enlisted in the United States Army in 1958 and served in Germany. Later that year he married Joyce Speicher on September 18, 1958, who soon joined him in Germany. Upon his discharge he and Joyce returned home and started a family. They were married for 43 years.

Hoppy was employed by Carpenter Brothers Contracting in Coopers Plains, NY for many years and later started his own business, H & J Smith Contracting. Helping others was his calling, his hobby and his life’s passion He shared this passion with Joyce.

Hoppy’s love for speed led him to a love of stockcars. Every Saturday, he and Joyce would pack up the family and head to Woodhull Raceway. He was the original driver for 8X and became a fan favorite. Hoppy was strong-willed and stubborn at times, but he also had an enormous heart and wonderful sense of humor. He was a generous man. He was full of knowledge he picked up through his life experiences; and as a contractor, he could fix or build anything. He will be remembered for always caring for his family and friends. He truly loved each of them, and if you knew him, you knew it. When his time came, as always, he carried himself with dignity and strength. He will be dearly missed by many.

Hoppy is survived by his children, Erika Smith, Kim McPherson, Les Smith, Kelly Smith and Barbra Smith; siblings Nancy Best, Julia (Judy) Sprague and Edward Smith; stepsiblings Judy Mc Chesney, Vicky Serfass, Rita Jensen, Joanie Randall and Paula Potter; grandchildren Aaron Butler, Donovan Smith, Colby Smith, Shawn McPherson, Rachael Stevenson, Melissa McPherson, Brooke Smith and Hannah Smith, special family friend Paul Runyan, several great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, his wife Joyce, brother Harry, sister Marilyn Merola and stepsister Mary Jones.

The family will receive friends for A Celebration of Life at Acly-Stover Funeral Home on Saturday, January 11, 2024, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.; followed by a dinner reception at the Campbell American Legion from 4:00 p.m. to 7 p.m.

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