Cleveland "Smitty" "Cleve" L. Smith

Cleveland “Smitty” Smith, 82, of Bloomington passed away on Tuesday, May 17, 2022. Cleve was born to Leslie and Louise (Walker) Smith on April 24, 1940. Surviving a son, Eric (Stephany) Smith, his grandchildren; Chassidy and Tanner. Longtime companion, Flo Leach, her children; Mary and Joy, her grandchildren; Cassie, Candi, Harrison, Elijah, and Noah. Then of course his beloved dog, Pepper. He is preceded in death by his parents and dogs; Mandy and Lily.

"Smitty" was a man of many talents. Whether he was racing circles around the competition or towing big rigs down the Interstate, Cleve did not like asking for help and preferred to learn from experience. He spent his early years farming with his father Leslie, showing his livestock at the county fair, participating in sports and band. In 1957, he broke the Kickapoo Conference pole-vaulting record. Cleve was an entrepreneur and a family man, starting Southtown Wrecker in 1962 and growing the business with his son throughout his life.

One of Cleve's greatest joys was racing. From 1970-83 he raced in the ARCA Menards Series and USAC Stock Car Series. As the years passed, Cleve enjoyed watching from the passenger seat of the wrecker or the bleachers at the track while his son, #9 Eric Smith carried on his legacy.

He never met a stranger and was full of love for those around him. His friends and family loved listening to his wrecker and racing stories. On May 17th 2022, Cleve's heart finally grew tired after years of sharing his love with those around him. A special thanks to a dear friend, Patty who was there from the beginning to the end. He will be greatly missed by many.

East Lawn Funeral Home in Bloomington, Illinois are handling the arrangements. Cremation rites have been accorded. A private family graveside will be at East Lawn Memorial Gardens and Cemetery, Bloomington.

A public Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, June 5, 2022 from Noon to 5 p.m. at the Moose Lodge 614 I.A.A. Drive, Bloomington. Memorials in Cleve’s name may be made to Midwest Dachshund Rescue or International Towing & Recovery Museum.

Cleveland Leslie Smith: Look for the amber lights and follow the checkered flag. Lay down your hooks. We've got it from here!