Alvin H. Smith Jr.

Alvin H. “Sonny” Smith Jr., 74, of Eagles Mere, died Monday, May 14, 2012, at The Gatehouse.

Born March 22, 1938, in Eagles Mere, he was a son of Marcia E. and the late Alvin H. Smith Sr. He and his wife, the former Joanne Barto, would have celebrated 46 years of marriage on May 27, 2012.

Sonny was a former member of the Sullivan County Fire Dept., the Sullivan County EMS Council and a life member of the Eagles Mere Vol. Fire Company. During his more than 50 years of service with Eagles Mere Fire Company, he held numerous positions, which included, Ambulance Captain, Fire Captain and Treasurer for over 30 years. He was also very active in the Eagles Mere Toboggan Slide Association; helping, not only build and operate the slide, but maintaining a documented history as well.

Giving back to the community that he loved so much was very important to him. Sonny spent countless hours volunteering at the Eagles Mere Museum, assisting with the construction of many of the current displays. He had also served on the Eagles Mere Borough Council for several years.

The Sullivan County Communications Center also held a very special place in Sonny’s heart. He was instrumental in the implementation of the county-wide 911 system and voluntarily served as the Director of Communications for over 16 years. Sonny was always very grateful to the many volunteers who gave of their time and resources to assist in making the county-wide 911 a success.

For over 50 years, Sonny was the caretaker of Rainbow Farms, a career he truly enjoyed. He was an outdoor enthusiast who loved hunting, fishing and spending time at his cabin with his dog and companion, Sonar Jake Smith. As a youth, he played baseball for the Picture Rocks Rockets.

Sonny served his country honorably in the U.S. Navy from 1956 to 1960.

Surviving, in addition to his wife and mother, are a son, Brian E. (Sharon) Smith of Laporte; four sisters, Nancy Smith of Montoursville, Bonnie Blair of Montoursville, Jean Smith of San Diego, Calif., and Sherry Smith of Williamsport; and a granddaughter, Kassandra Smith of Eagles Mere.

Funeral services were held noon Friday at the McCarty-Thomas Funeral Home, 557 E. Water St., Hughesville, with the Rev. Marie E. Lewis officiating. Burial followed in Eagles Mere Cemetery. Friends called from 9 a.m. to noon Friday at the funeral home.

The family provided the flowers and suggest memorial contributions to the Gatehouse, 1100 Grampian Blvd., Williamsport, PA 17701.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.mccartythomas.com.