Harold Dean Smith, age 83 of Gallatin, TN, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 28, 2016.

Mr. Smith was born on August 21, 1932 in Camargo, Illinois to the late Louis and Ida Mae Smith.

Mr. Smith grew up in Camargo and graduated from Villa Grove High School as part of the "Nifty-Fifty" class of 1950. After high school he married his beloved sweetheart, Willa Dean Turner. From 1952 – 1954, he served in the U.S. Army in the 224th Infantry during the Korean War with honors. Mr. Smith returned home to Camargo to be with his lovely wife, Willa Dean, where they started a family and trucking business. He later returned to school at Eastern Illinois University and graduated with a Bachelor's in Business in 1969. From 1955 to 1984, the family trucking company proudly served and supported the needs of the local community.

During the years, Mr. Smith was a life time member of the Freemasons of Illinois - Villa Grove Camargo Masonic Lodge, a member of the Capitol City Shriners Club of Springfield and a member of the Mid-West Trucker's Association of Springfield. In 1994 Harold and Willa Dean went on to retire on the sunny beaches of Sebastian, Florida where they enjoyed the company of family and friends. His final year was spent residing in Gallatin, Tennessee to be closer to his two sons.

Mr. Smith enjoyed reading, gardening and Big Ten basketball and football. He was a die hard "Fighting Illini" fan. He could always be counted on for a hearty, "Go Illini!" or an in-depth conversation about life and God. He never met a stranger; in a few moments he would know your life story and consider you a friend for life.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Diana Smith Bennet (WV).

He is survived by his wife of sixty-three years, Willa Dean, his two son's Michael (Arleen) Smith (TN) and Timothy (Tara) Smith (KS); three granddaughter's Danielle (John) Overberger (FL), Leah and Mercedes Smith (FL); four step granddaughter's Sarah (TN), Rachelle, Morgan and Lauren (KS); two great granddaughter's Abigail and Zoey Overberger (FL); and a host of other family and friends. He was a husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend who will be dearly missed.

Graveside Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, April 15, 2016 at the Tuscola Township Cemetery, Tuscola, IL.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial in Harold's name may be made to the American Heart Association at https://donatenow.heart.org/.

Online condolences may be shared via hilligossshraderfh.com.