Alvin B. Smith, Jr.

Alvin B. Smith, Jr. "Smitty", 75, passed away on Monday, January 31, 2022.

Alvin was born in Barberton, Ohio, to the late Alvin and Waneta (Ayers) Smith and lived in the Portage Lakes area most of his life. He was a member of St. Francis deSales Catholic Church.

He was a graduate of Coventry High School Class of 1965, after graduation he was hired at Goodyear.  Immediately after being hired he was drafted into the Army and served in Vietnam.  After returning to the states he was fortunate to return to Goodyear as a tire builder and trainer, retiring in 2002.

No one who knew "Smitty" forgot his infectious passion for his non-work activities: Golf, yard work, tinkering with his classic cars and always being a jokester with his family and friends.  During his long residence in Coventry he played basketball and baseball in school and continued with the love of the games by coaching as much as he could.  He also enjoyed playing softball for Goodyear and Barberton Moose.  Later in life he beamed with pride watching his grandsons play the sports he always loved.

Alvin was unique, there will never be another Alvin, you knew if he liked you and you knew if he didn’t.  He was a great provider and had much pride in his work ethic.  Time spent with his family during holidays playing poker, playing horseshoes, watching the boat parade, cracking jokes, picking on the kids and just enjoying the family time was always cherished. He loved looking for deals and the Village Thrift was his favorite place to go.

In addition to his parents, Alvin is preceded in death by his sister, Shirley Strickland; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Mumsy and Bernie Kingsinger.  He is survived by his high school sweetheart and loving wife of 55 years, Carolyn; sons, Brian (Shauna), and Aaron (Kelly) Smith; daughter, Stacey (Tim) Langenek; grandchildren, Cody, Zack (Christina), Matthew, Cameron, Alex and Nate; sisters-in-law, Debbie (Gary) Heller, and Darlene (Joe) Spadaro; brothers-in-law, Bernie (Gina) Kingsinger and Fred Strickland, and many loving nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, February 18, 2022, 11:00 am at St. Francis deSales Catholic Church, 4019 Manchester Road, Akron, Ohio 44319.  Visitation will be Friday, 10:00 am - 11:00 am at the church.  Alvin's final resting place will be Holy Cross Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Summit County Humane Society.