Stanley Smith, youth counselor, corrections officers

Inwood native Stanley Smith had a extraordinary way with people that led him to create many lasting relationships.

Smith died at New York Presbyterian Hospital on July 6. He was 65.

Born June 21, 1948 in East Meadow to the late Edgar and Daisy Corley-Smith, he graduated Lawrence High School in 1966. An All-American in track, Smith earned a full athletic scholarship to Kentucky State University.

Two years later, Smith was drafted into the U.S. Army. A sharpshooter in Vietnam, Smith received two Purple Hearts, a combat infantryman badge and the Vietnam service and campaign medals. Born a Christian, at 21, he converted to Islam and remained a devout Muslim throughout his life.

His sister, Mildred Butler, an Inwood resident, said her brother was a unique person. “Stanley had a special quality, he loved people,” Butler said. “He acquired and maintained hundreds of close and personal relationships throughout his life. He will be deeply missed.”

Smith worked as a youth counselor at the Five Towns Community Center in Lawrence from 1972-’74. During that time, he earned an associate degree in sociology from Bronx Community College. A New York City Corrections Officer from 1978-’98, Smith retired and moved to Franklinton, North Carolina.

Smith is survived by his wife of 26 years, Michelle Smith, son Malcolm Isaiah Smith, of Franklinton, North Carolina; daughters Michelle Wynn (Joseph), of Monroe, NY; Candice Fatima Smith of New York City and Naomi Megan Smith. Grandsons Nyah, Dante and Dylan.

A brother, Gregory Smith (Shenetta), of South River, NJ and sisters Gloria Wilson and Victoria Evans (Henry), of Cambria Heights and Mildred Butler and Linda Smith. Mother-in-law, Linda Glover; brother-in-laws, Christopher Lewis (Sharon) and Chester Glover; sisters-in-laws, Victoria Klaver (Kelvin) and Dorothy Newsome (Larry), of North Carolina, and an adopted brother, Gerald Ford (Sandie); godchildren Nancy Wilson, Stanley Emerson and Rashidah Ali, and several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was predeceased by seven siblings, Johnny, Stevie, Raymond, Betty, Ethel, Patricia and Pamela Smith.