In Loving Memory

Clarence E. Smith

Clarence E. "Smitty" Smith, 86, passed away February 7, 2007. The seventh son of Wilford and Julie Smith, born March 13, 1920 in Clarington, Ohio, he moved to Akron in 1928 and graduated from Akron East High School in June of 1938.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father; seven brothers; one sister; and several in-laws, nieces and nephews. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Genevieve Irene; sons, Edward, Gordon and David; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; in-laws; nieces and nephews.

Smitty was a member of the Goodyear Heights United Methodist Church, American Legion Post 206 for 61 years, Bricklayers Union # 7 for 61 years and United Rubber Workers Local # 2 for 31 1/2 years. He was a U.S. Army Veteran of W.W. II, landing on Omaha Beach. While in Europe, he was involved with the Bombing of St. Lo, Liberated Paris with the Free French 2nd Armored Division, fought in the Battle of the Bulge, and crossed the Bridge at Remagan over the Rhine River. He linked up with the Russians in Czechoslovakia to end World War ll. During his military service, Mr. Smith was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, American Defense Service Medal, European African Middle Eastern Service Medal with five bronze service stars, World War ll Victory Medal, Sharpshooter Badge with Carbine Bar and Marksman Badge with Rifle Bar.

He was in the Boy Scouts of America and was recognized for over 50 years of service to youth. Smitty held many responsibilities including serving as a Committe Member, Assistant Scout Master, past Scout Master of Troop 44, was a Unit Commissioner, Area Commissioner, District Commissioner and District Vice Chairman. He received the Scouters Training Award, Scout Master Key, Commissioner Arrow Head, Commissioners Key, Lamp Lighter for Unit organizing, District Award of Merit, a Council Silver Beaver and P.M. Litchfield Merit Award for Goodyear Scouting, and was in the Order of the Arrow as a Vigil. He was active with the Scouters Old Timers Committee, Cub Pack 3034, and was registered with District.

Smitty was also a member of the Goodyear Hunting and Fishing Club, where he received the Presidents Award, and was a Hunter Education Instructor for 20 years. He was League of Ohio Sportsmen Hunter Educator of the year from 1994-1999. He was a Zeppelin Rifle Club Director of Training, where he trained over 1200 students in gun safety and over 800 instructors. Smitty was a member of NRA as a certified instructor in rifle, pistol, personal protection, home firearm safety, muzzle loading rifle, pistol and shotgun. He was certified as Chief Range Officer, Instructor Trainer, and Instructor Training Counselor and was recognized by the House of Representatives and the State of Ohio for service to youth.

The funeral service will be Monday, February, 12, 2007 at 1:00 p.m. at the Eckard Baldwin Sanctuary Chapel, 760 E. Market St. Interment at Crown Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday, February 11, from 2 to 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Goodyear Heights United Methodist Church, 1690 Hillside Terrace, Akron, Ohio 44305.