Leigh's Testimony and Poem in honor of Smiley

For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Leigh Clement. I’ve had many people ask me if and how I’m related to Smiley. Well that depends on how you define related. My Mom and Dad moved into a house on Lancaster Avenue many years ago. They had no idea that they were moving in beside such a wonderful family – the Howell’s – Marshall, Margie, Barry and Bryan. And they had no idea that the Howell family would become as close as family to all of us. When I was born and then later Blair, Smiley and Bryan had 2 little sisters and we had 2 big brothers. We thought they were so cool! I always told everyone that I was related to the Howell’s. Blair and I attended every Howell reunion, so I thought that made us family.

As I got older, I realized that the reunion attendance didn’t make us family, but something much better and longer lasting. You see, we have always loved each other like family. There has never been a time in my life that they weren’t there for me. That’s good enough for me to call him my brother!

From the time I started driving, Smiley always took care of my tires. It’s a pretty good perk, I thought, to have your brother own a tire store. I can’t remember how many times he rescued me by coming to wherever I might be with his air tank in order to get me to Wholesale Tire so he could fix whatever was wrong. But Smiley didn’t bring his air tank to me just because he loved me – he did that for everyone! I know he helped many of you in the same way! What a nice guy!

Smiley chose a career in a service industry – service to others. And he was so great at it! You can’t be in the business that Smiley was in and not be a people person. Let’s be honest, none of us wants to spend money on a set of tires. But tires are a necessity, and when you bought your tires from Smiley, you knew that you were getting good tires and getting them with that good ‘ole hometown service! Smiley loved his tire store, but mostly he loved his customers. Thanks to all of you who have been such loyal customers to Smiley for so many years.

There are lots of words that can be used to describe Smiley Howell. I won’t even try to list them all. His youngest son, Luke, has started a list of such words. It’s a pretty long list with words like strong, courageous, and Christian, and I know Luke has not finished with it yet.

Smiley’s journey has been a tough one this past year, especially the past few months. He endured such intense pain – such pain that none of us can even imagine. He worked through that pain until his body just wouldn’t allow him any longer. He was in and out of hospitals. He fought so hard the entire time. He was not willing to give up on life without a fight. That fight took him to Korea. But he couldn’t have made that trip without the help of a lot of people. This community pulled together like no one has ever seen. Smiley’s miracle trip was truly a miracle. Even though doctors were not able to heal Smiley’s body, I believe that this trip was part of a bigger plan – God’s plan. Lives were changed through Smiley’s story – his story of courage, of strength, and mostly of faith! Smiley’s trust in His Lord was made known to so many people. I truly believe that God was always in control of Smiley’s life – and all of us were put into his life for a purpose. God used a wonderful man to reach so many hearts. I’m so proud to have had the privilege to know and love Smiley!

Today, I would like to share with you a poem that I’ve written to Smiley. I’ve only written poems for 2 other occasions – my Dad’s retirement and my sister and brother-in-law’s wedding rehearsal. Both of those times were special and both were celebrations. Today is also special and it is also a celebration – a celebration of Smiley Howell.

So here’s my poem – it’s simply titled “Smiley”:

“Smiley”


Barry Marshall Howell or “Smiley” as we like to say;
We’re all gathered here together to celebrate your life today.

You were born in Greer - Marshall and Margie’s first son;
They brought you up in this Church and loved you a ton!

You grew up and operated Wholesale Tire;
Helping other people was always your desire.

We always thought that you would never wed;
But then you met Patty,
And the phrase “We’re getting married!” is what you said!

You married in Charleston in 1984,
And your love for her grew every minute, more and more.

Then along came Logan, Tyler, and Luke, the apples of your eyes;
Now they’re 21, 18, and 14 – my how time flies.

They know how much you loved them and how proud you were too;
For you were always there for them, teaching them what to do.

From band concerts and sports events to academics, too;
As long as they gave their best, that’s what was expected by you.

You’ve always been a loyal Greer High Yellow Jackets fan;
And what a proud moment when you saw Luke coming out of those stands!

All of your boys are way too young to lose their Dad;
But they know you’ll be looking over them during the good and the bad.

You’ve left them a great legacy to pass on to their sons;
To never give up, the Lord decides when your work here is done.

Just as you loved your family, you loved your friends, too;
Please tell God that we all need His help to go on without you.

You lived your life to the fullest, and that we all know;
You worked hard and played hard and smiled as you did so!

One of your favorite things to do was go to a NASCAR race;
With Rich-Man, your buddies, and a full Schlitz case!

And we can’t forget your Gamecocks, you were such a loyal fan;
But that never got between you and your Clemson friends, Richard and Stan!

Card playing on Wednesday nights was a routine for years and years;
Those guys will miss you terribly and probably play now with a few tears.

2008 proved to be a very difficult year for you;
The cancer, the heart problem, and that bad infection, too.

No matter what was thrown at you, you battled with all of your might;
We all watched in amazement as you put up an incredibly courageous fight.

We named your journey to Korea “The Smiley Miracle Trip;”
Your faith and trust in God was clear - you didn’t hesitate a bit.

I hope you understand now how many lives you’ve affected – just look at all these guests;
Our lives will never be the same - you’ve changed our hearts for the best.

You were such a wonderful son, brother, husband, father, uncle, and friend;
And you never stopped loving life, even up to the very end.

We’re gathered here together not to say “good-bye;”
We’re all here in God’s house to say “We’ll see you on the other side!”

I know that you’re in Heaven now, and God has blessed you with His special touch;
But Smiley B, you’ll always be a part of us – for we all love you so very much!