A Tribute To Lee Wesley Smith, Sr., 87; Entrepreneur, Consummate Public Servant

By Dr. George F. Reed Special to the New Journal and Guide

Lee Wesley Smith, Sr., father, husband, entrepreneur, community servant, community organizer, and civic leader, passed away peacefully June 6, 2023 at age 87. A prominent and respected member of the Chesapeake community, he leaves a legacy of service to God, his church, and community, especially the cities of Chesapeake, Norfolk, but also the greater Hampton Road’s Communities.

Lee Wesley Smith, Sr., was a lifelong resident of Chesapeake. Throughout his life, Lee made significant contributions to various local, regional and state organizations and initiatives aimed at improving the lives of those around him. He actively participated in community outreach programs, mentored young individuals, and championed causes that promoted equality, education, and social justice.

Mr. Smith’s philanthropic work extended beyond community involvement. He was a devoted family man, cherished his role as a loving father, husband, and grandfather. His unwavering support, wisdom, and guidance will forever be cherished by his family members, who remember him for his kindness, compassion, and love as he shared with everyone around him.

I met Lee in the late 1970s, and he had a quiet demeanor, but was very persuasive in presenting an issue or concern to us, and getting support for things he viewed important, not just for African Americans, but all of the citizens of Chesapeake. He was a trailblazer in mobilizing the Black community in the 1960s, and was a founder of the Chesapeake Forward as well as the Chesapeake Men for Progress. He served four terms as president of the Chesapeake Men for Progress, and during a period that transformed Chesapeake from primarily a rural to an urban suburban city. At that time, the Chesapeake Forward focused on civic matters in the Black community such as organizing civic leagues, voter registration, school board actions and decisions. The Chesapeake Men for Progress focused on political matters related to electing Blacks to city council, school board, and appointing Blacks to city boards and commissions.

Lee Smith helped in leading these initiatives as president of the Chesapeake Men for Progress.

Smith, as president of the Chesapeake Men for Progress, along with several other notables, led the effort in getting the first Blacks elected to Chesapeake City Council. Following the election in 1970 of W.P. Clark, Sr. and Dr. Hugo A.

Owens, election, Lee was appointed to serve as the first African American on the Chesapeake Minimum Housing Standard on the recommendations of Mr. Clark and Dr. Hugo Owens.

Lee’s leadership was recognized by the Chesapeake Men for Progress, Chesapeake Forward and city-wide organizations at the Outstanding Citizens Award Banquet held at the Holiday Inn Scope, in Norfolk on June 3, 1973.

Lee was awarded the organization’s Outstanding Citizens Award for his leadership as president of the Chesapeake Men for Progress successful efforts in community organizations and successful political accomplishments for African Americans in Chesapeake.

Lee was a strong advocate for education, not only in Chesapeake, but throughout the state. He studied business Administration at Norfolk State University and Old Dominion University, and received an honorary degree from Norfolk, State University. He served as a member of Chesapeake School Board from 1984 to 1992, as a member and chairman from 1991 to 1993. He was appointed by Governor Lawrence Douglas Wilder to serve on Board of Visitors and Rector of the Board from 1985-1993 at Norfolk State University. Due to his service and philanthropic, Norfolk State University administration named a new student dormitory in his name, that is “The Lee W. Smith, Sr. Hall Dormitory”.

Lee also served as vice chairman, Board of Directors, Paul D. Camp