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SMITH -- Harrison Eugene Smith, 78, passed away peacefully on March 27, 2010, after a number of years of having dementia with Lewy bodies. He will be greatly missed by his family and many friends of all ages. His great wit and "Harrisonisms" will be fondly remembered by all. He had a special way with people, and he could get away with the most outlandish comments and actions. Harrison is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Phyllis Klipsch Smith; his children, Sylvia Chavez, and husband Jeff of Dallas, Texas, and granddaughters Samantha, Natalie, and Courtney; Marie Everett and husband Scott, of Albuquerque, and grandchildren Gregory, Matthew, and Mackenzie; Harrison "Chip" Smith Jr., of Albuquerque, and grandsons Harrison III, Wyatt, and Jett; and half sister, Lyndia Watkins, of Bossier City, LA. He was preceded in death by his parents, Willis and Jessie Smith; brother, Willis Smith; niece, Charlotte Smith; two half sisters and a half brother. Harrison was born on December 30, 1931, in Gallup, NM, and moved to Albuquerque in 1946. Where he joined Central United Methodist Church as a Charter Member. He attended Washington Junior High, Albuquerque High, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from the University of New Mexico in 1957. During his high school and college years he was an accomplished runner, specializing in the 440, the 880, and the mile. In high school he won all of his many races except one, and was a three time NM State Champion in the 880. His college days were interrupted in 1951 when he was drafted into the New Mexico National Guard and served in the U.S. Army until 1953. While in the service, he won numerous races when he was stationed in Germany. Upon his return to college, he continued to be a highly successful runner for UNM, winning and setting records in the half-mile and the mile. Harrison's legacy continues as he was very proud of his son, Chip Smith, who was a four time NM High School State Champion in the 1600M and the 3200M, a high school and college All-American, a member of six NCAA National Championship teams at the University of Arkansas, a WAC conference indoor champion in the 3000m while attending UNM in 1993, and who is a letterman at both U of A and UNM. He was also especially proud of his grandson, Matt Everett, who is a third generation NM State Champion in the 1600m and UNM Track Letterman. Harrison was a Lifetime Member of the UNM Alumni Lettermen's Club and also served as President. He was a major contributor to the UNM Track and Field Stadium. An avid Lobo fan, he and Phyllis have attended Lobo football and basketball games and track meets for more than fifty years. Harrison was a long time member of the UNM Lobo Club and served a term on the Board of Directors. He and Phyllis are also members of the UNM Popejoy Society. At UNM he was a member of the Beta Xi Chapter of Sigma Chi Fraternity. After graduation, he became a real estate broker and insurance agent. It was in 1959, after he and Phyllis were married, that he became a general contractor and formed the Harrison Smith Construction Co., building many custom homes, apartments, and eventually commercial properties, in Albuquerque, Gallup, Socorro, Grants, and Rio Rancho. From the beginning, Phyllis was his partner in business, as she did all of the accounting, as she still does today. The company eventually became Smith-Everett Homes, in partnership with son-in-law, Scott Everett. After son, Chip, graduated from college, he joined the company as well. During Jerry Apodaca's term as Governor, he appointed Harrison to the office of Deputy Director of the Construction Industries Commission. Harrison loved the ocean and he and Phyllis spent their honeymoon in Guaymas, Mexico. Because of that trip, they began making many trips during Christmas vacation down to Guaymas and then San Carlos with family and friends. These were always great trips that resulted in many great memories. Also, there were many years of boating and water skiing on Elephant Butte Lake every summer. Later, because of their love of the ocean, the family bought a vacation home in Laguna Beach. The trips out to California were always a big treat for everyone, and again, were very memorable for family and friends. Harrison was very special in his ability to motivate people of all ages, especially the friends of his kids. Just ask them. Their stories will go on and on. The family wants to especially thank all of the staff at The Cottages for the very special care they gave to Harrison during the final stages of his life. Because of them, his last days were spent at peace. They are all truly devoted to making a difficult time for families much easier to handle. Also, the family wishes to thank Dr. Paul Greenbaum for his care and compassion during Harrison's residence at the Cottages. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association New Mexico Chapter, 9500 Montgomery Blvd., NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111, or the charity of your choice. Services for Harrison will be held Saturday, April 3, 2010, at 2:00 p.m. at the Central United Methodist Church, 201 University Blvd., NE, with burial following at the Fairview Memorial Park, 700 Yale Blvd., SE. Please visit our online guestbook for Harrison at RememberTheirStory.com French 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE (505) 275-3500
        Published on: Fri April 02, 2010