George Edwin Smith (affectionately known as "Smitty") 89, of Salem, passed away at 11:12 PM on Friday, June 27, 2025, at Salem Regional Medical Center, where he received exceptional care.

He was born on October 8, 1935, in Youngstown, Ohio, the son of the late Charles McConnell and Myrtle Joy (Spicer) Smith.

George was a graduate of Hubbard High School in 1953. He entered the United States Navy on December 3, 1953, and served during the Korean War until October 2, 1957. He was employed for many years as a diesel mechanic. George always enjoyed wrenching on cars and running his stock car "Little Mary" at the former track in Canfield and Sharon Raceway. He loved being out fishing, golfing, and was a former bowler. George was a softball umpire and coached little leage baseball and football for the Salem Stars and Salem Little Quakers. He was an avid Ohio sports fan especially rooting for the Cleveland Browns and Guardians (former Cleveland Indians). He had previously been a member of the Salem Eagles Club. George was a highly regarded and loved customer of Bob Evans Restaurant in Salem, where he visited often. George's remarkable personality and renowned sense of humor made knowing him very special.

He is survived by his children; Sandy Lee (Timothy) Kaiser of Hillard, Charles McConnell (Becky) Smith II of Salem, Jeffrey Allen (Lisa) Smith of Lisbon, his grandchildren; Andrea Kaiser, Laura Morgan, Matthew, Brittany, and Alexis Smith, Sarah Bricker, Tara Mashuda, and Brian Mancuso, and great grandchildren; Alexander and Anastasia Clifford, Easton, Gannon, and Madix Smith, Basil, Addison, Nicholas, and Benjamin Paparone, Teegan and Tatum Dame, Aubrey Foos, and Roman Bricker.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death in 2023 by his wife Marilyn Jane (Cotton) Smith, whom he married November 17, 1956, a daughter Heather Josephine Mancuso, and siblings; Joy Wilson, Gladys O'Dea, and James Smith.

A Celebration of Life is planned for July 12th at 11AM at George's home.

Arrangements were made by the Arbaugh-Pearce-Greenisen & Sons Funeral and Cremation Services of Salem.