Emanuel C. “Smitty” Smith Sr., 66, returned to his heavenly home on March 30, 2020 after a valiant battle with a long-term illness. His firm belief in God supported him in his struggle and ultimately gave him peace.
Emanuel was born on February 24, 1954 to the late Ozie Cathedral Smith and Hattie Gray (nee Harris) in Cleveland, OH. Emanuel worked for Cole Consumer Products, National City Bank, Penske, and Cuyahoga County in Information Technology roles throughout his career. Yet for all of his technological savvy, he was also an amateur naturalist—delighting in fishing, boating, and gardening, as well as painting the natural vistas he saw and preserving his tomato harvest by canning his beloved tomato sauce.
Emanuel leaves a legacy of love, perseverance, and life-long curiosity to his family and those who knew him. He was a loving father, brother, grandfather, and great-grandfather. We are grateful for each day we were able to see his glowing smile, hear his beautiful singing voice, and laugh with him as he regaled us with outrageous tales from his childhood and international travels in retirement. We will miss him more than words can express.

Emanuel leaves to cherish his memories his loving children, Ramona M. Mims (Larry) of Pearland, TX, Emanuel Jr (Kristi) of Indianapolis, IN, Samar D. Smith of Cleveland, OH, Geoffrey S. Smith of Las Vegas, NV, and Kaitlin N. Smith of Cambridge, MA; sisters, Alberta “Bert” Price and Karleen “Butterball” Gray; 11 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild; and a host of relatives and friends.