Jay Smith

Jay E. Smith,91, died July 24, 2011.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley, on February 2, after more than 67 years of marriage. He was born in Barberton, Ohio. He and Shirley moved to Florida in 1986. He was a member of the United Methodist Church throughout his entire life. First at High Street Methodist in Barberton, then at First United Methodist in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, where he, Shirley and their four children attended. He was an affiliate member of First United Methodist churches in Hudson and Spring Hill, Fl. He proudly served in the Army Air Corps in World War II. He began his banking career with First Central Trust Company of Barberton in 1939 and finished 46 years later as Executive Vice President, Cashier and Secretary of the Board of Directors at the First National Bank of Ohio. In 1945, he joined the Masonic Fraternity, serving as Past Master of the National Lodge of Barberton. He was awarded the 33rd Degree in the Valley of Akron Scottish Rite Masonry. He served as District Deputy Grand Master of the 21st Masonic District. He was a member of the Downtown Kiwanis Club serving as President. He held membership in the Summit Chapter of the American Red Cross and Akron Y.M.C.A. In retirement, he volunteered at Bayonet Point Hospital and Hernando-Pasco Hospice. Jay touched many people throughout his life. We will sorely miss his guidance, smile, and wonderful sense of humor.

He is survived by his sister, Betty Mahaffey and children; Mary Ann (Bob) Jacobson, Barbara (Fred) Mills, Peggy (Ken) Butler, David (Lachelle) Smith; grandchildren Rob Jacobson, Laura Groppe, Joe Butler, Sam Butler, Amanda Markle, Julie Mills; 4 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. A special thanks to the Jacobson family; Mary Ann, Bob, Rob and Laura for the loving care of our parents during the last twenty-five years and to their friends at the HPH Hospice and The Residence of Timber Pines.

The family has decided to honor Jay and Shirley as a couple in life and in death, with a joint memorial service to be held on Friday, July 29th at 12 NOON at the First United Methodist Church, 245 Portage Tr., Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 28 in the Clifford-Shoemaker Funeral Home, 1930 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls where a Masonic Service will be conducted at 5:30 p.m. by the National Lodge 568 F&AM. A Committal Service and Military Honors will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 29 in Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery. In lieu of remembrances, memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church or HPH Hospice, 12107 Majestic Blvd, Hudson, FL 34667. Arrangements handled by Clifford-Shoemaker Funeral Home, 330-928-2147.