Mayceo Smith, Sr.

Mayceo Smith Sr. was born in Akron, Ohio, on April 8, 1953. He attended Akron Public Schools. He went on to obtain a real estate certification from Malone College and furthered his education at McKim Technical Institute and Fortis College. He also obtained his Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), which allowed him to drive trucks professionally. Mayceo later worked in the field of building maintenance for more than 30 years.

Mayceo Sr. was honorably discharged from the United States Army in 1976. One of the greatest highlights of his life was being married to his wife, Justina Smith, for 49 years. Their marriage and family were a major part of the life they built together.

He enjoyed grilling during the holidays and was always willing to teach others how to play chess. He especially enjoyed playing anyone who was willing to be beaten by him.

His favorite television shows were Westerns, and, of course, he loved the Cleveland Browns. Win or lose, he was a loyal Browns fan. He also loved fishing with his son and friends. Mayceo coached Little League baseball for many years, where he was often tough on his son, and his daughter always made sure she was tough on him.

Mayceo loved his family dearly and was always available to give helpful advice to his children. He taught his children valuable life skills that helped provide a foundation for the success they enjoy today. His entire family held a special place in his heart. He had a good heart and loved his siblings very much.

He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Annie Mae Martin; his father, Milton Smith Sr.; his mother, Hazel Smith; and his oldest brother, Milton Smith Jr. (Mickey).

Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife, Justina Smith; his sister, Cheryl (Daniel) Davis; his brothers, William Sr. (Sheryl) Smith and Elijah Michael Scott; his daughter, Joslyn (Reginald) Coats; his son, Mayceo Jr. (Patrice) Smith; his grandchildren, Mayceo III, Maya, Reginald, and Joshua; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.