Matthew Smith III was first born to the parentage of Matthew Smith Jr. and Juanita Gray-Smith. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio on August 31, 1957. Matt, as he was affectionately called, spent his youth living in and attending schools in the Glenville area. After graduating from Glenville High School, and attending Cuyahoga Community College, he began his career working several jobs before resting his search at the City of Cleveland, in the Division of Water Pollution Control, where he worked 30 plus years until his untimely departure from this earth. During his career with (WPC) he was also very active in the Union.

Growing up Matthew was known as “Little Matt” as a means of distinguishing between him and his father, whose name he shared. Matt’s favorite pastime was bowling, chess, music, and a yearning for knowledge in every area possible. He was a highly rated chess player and spent a lot of time mastering the game. He also loved playing this game with his friend Sam who was also a highly skilled chess player. For 25 years, Matt enjoyed bowling with his brother Ted and father on the Star Routers Team, which he enjoyed many championships in the Postal Bowling League, which they won one year. Matt was a proud holder of several 300 bowling rings. If he wasn’t busy teasing someone at the lanes, they were busy teasing him.

Later, he met Andrea who became his wife where he gained a beautiful bonus family, which include LaToya, and Clarence (CJ) who he viewed and loved as his own. Matt later gained four grandchildren, Micah, Jaylen, Angel, and Bella.

Matt was a true family man who absolutely cherished his mother, who was his best friend and confidant. His mother made sure to check on him and keep him in line, as only a mother could.

He is survived by his mother, Juanita Thomas, his father, Matthew Smith Jr.; brothers, Teddy J. Smith, and Loren Hargrove; sisters, Angela Smith and Cheryl Grant; children LaToya Rogers (Eric), Clarence Perry Jr. (Shaunette); grandchildren, Micah, Jaylen, Angel, and Bella. He also leaves to mourn a host of nieces, nephews and close friends and family.