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Obituary For Derek "Pete" Smith
We celebrate the life of Derek (Pete) Eugene Smith, son of Butch Brown and the late Renee Smith. Derek was born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
He received his formal education in the Harrisburg School District and graduated with his General Education Diploma in 1980.
Pete as he was affectionately called and known within his community, to be a loving Husband, Father, Pop Pop, Brother, Uncle and Friend to many. He loved hard and always wanted to protect others he cared about, especially his family. Pete enjoyed spending time with his wife, grandkids, family and friends.
In his leisure time, he was known for counseling others about life, family and choices that can be life changing. Pete loved watching the Matrix and Harry Potter. He was an avid sports fan of the Washington Commanders and the Boston Celtics. He was an advocate for change and speaking to young men and standing in the gap. Many of his accomplishments were volunteering with Men United Standing Together (M.U.S.T), Breaking the Chainz, Inc. and Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice at a Local, State and National Level. Pete was a man who was wise and full of knowledge; he lived his life on his terms and always voiced how grateful he was that “God” gave him so many chances. Leading up to his transition, his quest was seeking God and attending the United Baptist Church, with close friends. Pete’s mission was to make amends with all those he loved, his Heart was “Big”.
During his working career he enjoyed serving as a forklift operator for various warehouses before becoming ill. His gifts and talents were later offered through volunteering.
On July 1, 2025, at the age of 62 years, Derek (Pete) Eugene Smith transitioned into eternal life at UPMC Harrisburg in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, surrounded by his loved ones and friends.
He was preceded in death by those he loved, son, Raheem Neely; grandmother, Betty Wade; mother, Renee Smith and his beloved sister, Dana Brown.
Pete leaves to celebrate his legacy and a message of hope; his beautiful and devoted wife, Donna Jean Smith; his sons, Lawrence Bethea, Derek Spriggs, Jamil Jones and Khalil Smith; his daughter, Tyhonna Smith; his nieces, Ashia Elliott (Derrick) and Anisah Brown; his nephew/sons, Terell Smith, Nafiz and Naim Brown; his siblings, Samiyah Wilson, Monica and Henry Potts; brothers-in-law, Calvin (Carla) and Mike Hollman; his sister and dear friend, Valerie Dolphin; his aunty that he adored, Rosie Motes; 14 grandchildren and a host of family and friends.
His life will be celebrated at 12 Noon on Thursday, July 10, 2025 in the Sanctuary of Mt. Calvary Church of God In Christ, 1830 N. 5th Street, Harrisburg with viewing and visitation from 10:00 a.m. until 12 Noon.
Photos & Video
Condolences & Tributes
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I am so sorry for your loss. Pete will always have a place in my heart.
You are in my thoughts and prayers. Please accept my deepest condolences during your time of bereavement and blessings always. May Pete Rest in Heavenly Peace.
My Prayers go out to all Pete's Family anf Friends that GOD may comfort all of you in this time of need. Pete was a very good friend of mine and I will truly miss him. May GOD rest his soul, always. In Jesus' NAME. AMEN. BLINKY ...
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RIP MY CONDOLENCES PRAYERS AMEN IN JESUS NAME AMEN. Friend from childhood way back much love my brother ❤️
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My condolences to Donna and family. Pete was a good hearted person that always showed me love. He will be truly missed
My love and condolences to Ms Donna and the family. Rest in power Pete!
Rest in peace Pete Smith, may God comfort the hearts of all those that known him and loved him, amen!!
My sincere condolences to Donna, Cousin Butch, Cousin Rosie, family and friends. Keeping everyone in my prayers. 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
Rest In Heavenly Peace Cousin Pete. You are loved and will be missed by many.
Laurie Stroble and Family
My deepest condolences to the entire family I remember you always addressing me as Gary Gip. Sister... rest in paradise Mr Pete . From Darnella 《Bones) and Gary Gibson.
My condolences to Donna and her family may God bless and keep you always vernel Floyd
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May you Rest in Peace and God bless you 🙏❤️
My deepest condolences to the family of Mr. " Pete". I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. I pray your memories are long lasting and that God keeps you, during this difficult time.
To Donna and all of Pete's Siblings, Children, Nieces, Nephews and friends. We are thinking of you all as you celebrate a special life that will long be remembered. Pete was loved beyond measure and will be missed beyond words. Peace & Blessings.
My heart felt Condolences to the Smith and Brown family! 🙏🏽❤️
Donna you and your family have our prayers and condolences. Cint badgett and family.
Donna, Lawrence & Family, Please accept our deepest condolences. We will forever cherish the memories created with Pete while he was employed with TME Enterprises LLC. He will be missed.
Keeping you Donna and the family in my continuous prayers in your hour of bereavement. Rest in glory my friend and brother. I've always enjoyed our conversations. We first met at kids on 4th & Reily at Greater Zion Baptist Church as kids. So glad we've broke bread and even shared knowledge of life with each other. I always say it doesn't matter when or where you start its more about how you finish and many people you bless along the way. Thanks for always keeping it real brother. It's time to rest. Rest in Power Pete 🙏 🤲
donna and family you guys are in my prayers Pete Smith the one and only you will be missed my guy sleep in heaven
donna and family you guys are in my prayers Pete Smith the one and only you will be missed my guy sleep in heaven
Donna my prayers are with you and your family 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 Constance Adams
To Donna & the family! I offer my deepest sympathy & love! I will keep you in my thoughts, in my prayers, & in my heart! Love Jacqueline "Speedy" Tippitt
My condolences to his wife and children I grew up with Pete and he was always a protector,loving and kind he would go to any lengths to make sure his family and friends was cool,him and my daughter was tight he still owes her McDonald's but I will miss you 6 forever my friend....rest peacefully
Let him rest in peace!
I will miss my Saturday phone call when I get to the shop! You always gave me some knowledge no matter how you lived your life! I will always love you Pete!!!!
My deepest condolences 🙏🏿
Donna without anything being said everyone knew how much you loved Pete, I've known him all his life, funny silly and living his life without ever making excuses, he will be truly be missed, so let's honor him with love and respect. Rest on my friend and may you always be at peace stepping right in place with Renee and your other loved ones !
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
