Roosevelt "Smitty" Smith

Roosevelt Howard Smith was born on November 10, 1941, in Monticello, Florida. Raised by his aunt, Julia K. Smith, Roosevelt attended school in Jefferson County and later Duval County. He graduated from New Stanton High School in 1959 before going on to Edward Waters College (now Edward Waters University) where he received a Bachelor’s degree in education. He later attended Florida A&M University and earned a Master’s degree.

A dedicated educator, Roosevelt taught at Jacksonville Beach and S.A. Hull elementary schools in the Duval County School District. After retiring in 1990, he remained active as an adjunct instructor at Florida State College of Jacksonville.

One of Roosevelt’s great passions was cooking. He was the proprietor of Daniel’s College Inn Soul Food Restaurant. Located on the campus of Edward Waters College, the restaurant was a labor of love for the talented cook. He took great pleasure in preparing food for his customers, and they enjoyed eating it. The restaurant closed in 1992.

Roosevelt was credentialed as an official with the Florida High School Athletic Association and was a much sought-after Duval County referee. An avid sports fan, he enjoyed watching all sports, but had a special love for football. He relished every game, whether he was watching from the stands or enjoying from the comfort of his couch.

Roosevelt was initiated as a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. at Edward Waters College in 1962, just two years after the chartering of the Delta Psi chapter. He continued to be active in civic organizations as a member of the Jacksonville Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and serving as treasurer of the Jacksonville chapter of Royal Vagabond Club, Inc.

In 1989, Roosevelt married the love of his life, Dora Ann Taylor. He was enthusiastically welcomed into Dora’s large immediate and extended family, who treasured his warm smile, hearty laugh, and gentle spirit.

After a long illness, Roosevelt died peacefully on March 18, 2026. He was preceded in death by his parents, Allen Farmer and Maggie Miller; siblings Julia Mae Campbell, Idella Gallon, and Joseph Miller; an uncle, Robert Smith; and his aunt, Julia K. Smith, whom he shared a home as caretaker until she passed away in 1998, and a devoted aunt by marriage, Rosebud Smith.

His memory will be cherished by his devoted wife, Dora; stepsons, Christopher Taylor (Michelle), Steven Taylor (Carleen), and Paul Harris; grandchildren, Eric Taylor, Simone Taylor, Christina Taylor, and Cateleya Taylor; great-grandson, Elijah Taylor; a host of other family members, nieces and nephews, along with dear friends, especially David Steward (Ann) of Chicago, Illinois.

Sarah L. Carter's Funeral Home Northside is serving the Family.

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