Robert "Mike" Smith

Robert Michael "Mike" Smith, 71, passed away unexpectedly on June 7, 2022. Mike Smith was born on November 17, 1950 in Columbus Ohio to Robert Francis and Marcella Ruth (Dye) Smith. Mike graduated from Bishop Watterson, 1968 and then earned his bachelor's degree in education at Ohio State University, Mike started working at Big Bear stores at age 16 as a bag boy and worked his way all the way up to Corporate Vice President of produce for Big Bear's parent company Penn Traffic in Syracuse, NY. He worked for Big Bear and Penn Traffic for 38 years. In 2004 he moved back to Columbus and worked for Giant Eagle as a Store Director for 15 years. During his time working he made several contributions giving back to the community, and receiving numerous awards such as "The Police Athletic League" in support of the youth crime prevention programs (1992), and the PHP 10K (1992). Mike Smith was known affectionately as "The Big Cheese" to his son Steve and all his friends. He touched many of their lives by playing rummy, euchre, and basketball on weekends. Mike led by example and was a role model to many. He was preceded in passing by his beloved wife Vicky Lynn (Carrington) Smith, father Robert Smith, mother Marcella Smith, and sister Teresa Smith. Left to cherish his memories are his son Stephen "Steve" Smith (Amanda and Orlando Lorenzo), Granddaughter Lydia Carrington Smith, Brother Patrick Allen Smith, and many nieces and nephews and friends. Mike's family will receive friends from 4pm-6pm on Monday, June 13, at SCHOEDINGER North 5554 Karl Rd, Columbus Ohio 43229. The funeral will be held the following morning at 10am. Services will conclude with interment at Union Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Parkinson's foundation at www.parkinson.org/ways-to-give