It is with great sadness that we announce on July 2, 2024, Sylvester Smith of Longwood, FL peacefully departed his earthly life after a brief, valiant battle with cancer at Advent-Health Hospice in Altamonte Springs, FL surrounded  by his loving family. Sylvester, a beloved husband, father, grandfather was 81 years old.

Sylvester, born on September 17, 1942, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina to the late Carrie Smith and Clyde Mack. He grew up to be a resolute, impactful accomplished man. He was a 1960 graduate of Atkins High School, North Carolina A&T State University (B.S. 1964), Cheyney State University (M.S. 1971). He remained a proud active Aggie alum throughout his life.

Sylvester's professional career reflects his commitment to service and his global impact. The highlight, most rewarding, and impactful  of his extensive employment history was as Program Manager, Career Trainer,  and Technical Adviser with the Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC) America in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania;  and OIC International in Accra, Ghana, Lagos, Nigeria and Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Sylvester with his family settled in Willingboro, N.J. upon returning Stateside. In 1981, recruited by Martin Marietta Aerospace (Lockheed Martin) he relocated his family to Florida. While  Owner and President of SidCo Enterprises, a management consulting firm, Sylvester worked with   ITT Community Development Corporation, as a manager. He was intricately involved in the building and establishment of the Palm Coast, FL communities.

An entrepreneur at heart, Sylvester briefly owned an Orlando Printing Co. prior to devoting full time to his  successful management consulting firm, SidCo Enterprises,  specializing in the national and international oil, gas, and coal mining industries.

Sylvester's dedication extended far beyond his professional life. He was a beloved member of the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., serving as the president of the Orlando chapter and holding various other leadership positions throughout his life. He served his community as a  youth basketball coach.  Sylvester, a man with an array of talents with an unbelievable knowledge base such as: a biblical scholar, an orator known for his vast vocabulary; a historical genius,  a blues enthusiast,  and a political aficionado.

Sylvester's physical presence will be deeply missed by family and all who know him.   Sylvester was preceded in death by his sister, LouBertha Smith Barber; and brother Frank Mack. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Jacqueline; children:  son, Sidney (Greenbelt, MD), daughter, Stacey Smith Morton (Chicago, IL), and son, Sadat (Ocoee, FL); five grandchildren, Sasha, Lola, Isaiah, Jordan, and Sloane; and his uncle, Willie Smith (Winston Salem, NC). Sylvester's legacy will live on through the lives he touched and the positive impact he made on his family, friends, and communities.

The family will announce later the memorial service to celebrate Sylvester's life. If desired, in his memory the family requests donations to the American Cancer Society.