EUGENE RICHARD SMITH

Eugene “PeeWee” Smith, 81, who was born with a heart of gold on August 3, 1938 to Florence and Leo Smith in Parma, Ohio passed away on Wednesday, April 15, 2020. He enjoyed a very fulfilling race through life, which he of course won. PeeWee was proud of many things, mostly 57 years of marriage to the love of his life Barbara (Belter) also known as BAAARRRB!

He will be missed by his children; Jennifer Kirchner (Bill), Kahle Miller (Bob), Kevin Smith (Nicole), Patrick Smith (Leanne), and Maggie Gray (Dave). Gene was a passionate family man who never let an opportunity slip by to express his pride in his Grandchildren ; Katie Ferguson (Nathan), Emily Kirchner, Sarah Kirchner, Billy Kirchner, Mike Miller, Tim Miller, Leo Smith, Grace Smith, Sydney Smith, Amelia Smith, Madeline Smith, Owen Smith, Camilla Nichols, Alexandra Nichols, Demi Nichols, Gordon Gray and Mollie Gray. Dad loved his siblings very much and will be missed by his brothers Leo Smith, Bobby Smith (Chris), his sisters Loretta Vargo, Joyce Jones (Larry) and his in-laws Judy Belter , Tom Belter (Beth), Ann Polgar (Jimmy), and will be joining beloved family members Martha Smith, Don Vargo and Terry Belter, on the other side.

Graduating from St. Ignatius High School in 1956, he cherished staying in touch with his classmates. He relished his time as an Army Paratrooper with the 101st Airborne. PeeWee had an endless circle of friends whom he considered family. Spending time at the kitchen table, listening to Willie, Waylon, and Merle with his to-do list, was a favorite pastime. His love for food was expressed often through direct critiques of most meals. His love of sport was evident throughout his life; whether he was playing, coaching or a spectator, he demanded a 100% commitment to working hard and achieving success that was equal to one’s God given talents. Some of PeeWee's favorite stories came from coaching youth football and Hinckley baseball. His love and knowledge of the history of Cleveland professional teams, and high school sports (especially St. Ignatius football and hockey) were among his favorite things to discuss.

He was an entrepreneur, taking over his father's business, L & H Freight Lines, and starting Northcoast Pizza, Clecorr Packaging, and running the Hinckley Lake Boathouse. PeeWee was larger than life, if he could help you, he did. Few people that crossed his path were unclear where they stood with Gene. He had an opinion about most everything!! PeeWee impacted many lives beyond his family, and left many life lessons, fond memories, and a highlight reel of questionable decisions that have, and will, provide lasting memories; buying a full-grown Ram for a youth football mascot, rolling logs down a hill for his small children to stop, and thinking that starting a brush fire was a good way to clear the woods, were among the ones that stand out. Gene had been very concerned lately with the current situation in our world.

In Lieu of flowers, please donate to Scranton K-8 by making checks payable to Scranton K-8 and forwarding them to the funeral home, or donate to the West Side Catholic Center, 3135 Lorain Ave., Cleveland OH 44113.

Thanks for the memories and the laughs! Have fun with all your buddies now! You are loved and missed!

Gene's care has been entrusted to Carlson Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, 3477 Medina Rd., Medina, OH 44256. A Celebration of PeeWee’s Life will be held sometime after this Pandemic.