Racine- Alvin R. Smith, age 70, was peacefully called home to be with our Lord at Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital in Milwaukee, WI, on Tuesday, July 12, 2011.

Alvinwas born in Warrick County, Indiana on September 23, 1940,  to the late Charles W. and Hester M. (nee: Johnson) Smith. He graduated from Washington Park High School in 1959. After graduating High School, Alvin worked at American Motor for a number of years.

In 1960, Alvin was united in marriage to Juanita Brown-Heidelburgh.  In 1965, he joined the US Army, faithfully serving our Country in the Vietnam War for two years.  After the Vietnam War, he returned to Racine and continued his employment with American Motors.  He was honorably discharged from the Army in 1973.

Alvinbelieved in serving his country and community.  He became employed with the Racine Fire Department in 1967, as a firefighter. He was a strong believer in education.  He furthered his education by attended Gateway Technical College earning an Associate's Degree in Fire Science Technology. He later attended Carthage College earning a degree in Business Administration.

Alvinwas a dedicated firefighter with the Racine Fire Department for 30 years, retiring as Captain in 1997. During his tenure with the Racine Fire Department, he served as President of the Racine Firefighters Union (IAFF Local 321).  He was a dedicated and proud member of the Safety Committee.  While working full-time with the Fire Department, on his days off Alvin attended school and worked part-time for Merchants Moving & Storage for over 19 years.

Alvintreasured his family and protecting our community. With a profound Christian faith, he was a member of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church.  Alvin loved his church and was a dedicated member for over 50 years.  Even during his illness he attended and supported the church faithfully until his health failed him.  Alvin had a passion for golfing and working on his yard. After retirement, Alvin desired and purchased a vacation home in Florida, where he spent many days golfing with Terry Yanny and friends.

Surviving is his loving wife of over 50 years, Juanita; their children, Theresa Smith and Michael Smith, Racine, WI;  Cynthia Smith, Sturtevant, WI; Rosalind Smith, Milwaukee, WI; Darren (Jody) Smith, of Mukwanago, WI and Gail Reed, Milwaukee, WI; adored grandchildren, Tenisha, Tiffany, Tiosha, Corbin, Razerio, Rajahnae, Jamaal, Justen, Glenter, G'Niyah, Hayley, Jaelyn and Jaeda; great-grandchildren, A'Jehanna, Azariyah (Za-Za) and Imani; sisters, Charlotte (Eugene) Naylor, Birmingham, AL and Clara Duvall; Montgomery, AL; uncle, Hurley (Lena) Johnson; aunt, Jean Smith; special cousin, Clare Jo Pinson; special friends, Terry (Linda) Yanny and Leonard (Betty) Figgs.  He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, his brothers and sisters of the Racine Fire Department, and many friends too numerous to mention by name.

In addition to his parents, Alvin was preceded in death by his beautiful daughter, Dawn Smith; son-in-law, Damian Reed; grandson, Jamison Reed and brother, Charles W. Smith, Jr.

Visitation services will be on Wednesday July 20, 2011, from 4-8 p.m.  Funeral services will be held on Thursday, July 21, 2011, at 11:00 am. Both services will be held at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, 1123 Center St., with Bishop Lawrence L. Kirby officiating. Interment, with military honors, will follow in Graceland Cemetery. In memory of Alvin, memorials to the American Kidney Foundation or the Racine Fire Department Safety Division have been suggested.

A heartfelt note of thanks to the entire staff of physicians, particularly Dr. Saad and Dr. Johnson, and the nurses at Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital for the tremendous amount of care and support given in Alvin's time of need. May God bless all of you!