Jerome Smith, 87

Born: June 20, 1924

Died: May 23, 2012

Jerome A. “Romie” Smith, 87, of South Third Street in Niles and former longtime resident of Chicago, died at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 23, 2012, at his home in Niles following an extended illness.

He was born June 20, 1924, in Chicago to Joseph T. and Shirley M. (Gibson) Smith and attended school in Chicago. He was a World War II veteran, serving in the United States Army. He was employed for more than 30 years by the Chicago Public Schools as a mechanical engineer, and lived in Niles since 1986.

In Chicago, Romie was a member of the Mount Carmel C.M.E. Church. He was also active in veterans’ organizations such as the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He enjoyed listening to jazz and had an extensive collection of recordings. He was a fan of professional football, especially the Oakland Raiders. Romie also had a great appreciation for automobiles, and was proud to drive a black Buick Park Avenue.

Romie was preceded in death by his parents and six brothers.

Surviving family includes a son, Jerry Franklin, of Chicago; grandchildren, Dessiré Franklin, Sabrina Franklin and Jason Franklin; a great-grandchild; a special friend, Elizabeth Fair, of Chicago; and his sister, Betty Owens, of Niles; and many nieces and nephews.

The funeral service for Jermone A. Smith will be at noon Central Standard Time on Tuesday, May 29, at A.A. Rayner and Son Funeral Home in Chicago with the Rev. William Hall of the Pentecostal Church in Chicago officiating. Committal will follow with full military honors by the U.S. Army Honor Guard.

The family will receive friends and relatives beginning at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

No services will be offered in Niles.

Contributions may be made to the Niles Senior Center.

Arrangements were made by Halbritter Funeral Home, Niles.