Melvin Lee Smith

Our Father, a husband, a brother, grandfather, nephew, uncle, cousin and a friend has passed on.
Papa!

Dad or Mr. Melvin was affectionately known not only to his grandchildren but to his entire community. On September 11, 2021, Mr. Melvin was called home. Mr. Melvin was born in Washington, Georgia on May 17, 1933. He attended Cincinnati Public Schools. Dad was an avid sportsman, outdoorsman and a lover of sports from playing baseball, fishing, hunting, horseshoes, and also as a competitive billiard and bowling aficionado. Dad joined the Army and served in the Korean conflict from 1953 to 1955. He married his beloved wife, Louvelma and this union resulted in the birth of his 3 daughters. Family was always first, then trains became second. Dad knew anything and everything about any train on the North and South West corridor of the United States. Dad started his career at B&O Railroad in 1955 as a Laborer and was ultimately promoted to Track Inspector at CSX Corporation where he retired in 1995. He also worked partime for the Hamilton County Great Parks at the Marina docking boats. Mom and Dad joined Allen Temple when the church was at 6th and Broadway and he remained as an active member as an Usher, as a Driver of the church van and assisted with community outreach.

He loved his family and we all love him dearly. His presence in our life has left an indelible mark and we will miss him dearly.

Dad was preceded in death by his beloved wife Louvelma, his parents Lillie and John Smith (stepfather) and his brother Hamlet Clifford Lockhart.
Melvin leaves to celebrate his life and cherish his memories with His beloved family which consists of his daughters Melvenia Lynn George (Ralph), Deborah Renee Smith and Rhonnie Michelle Smith-Dowdell (Kenneth) and his son Melvin Smith Jr. His beloved grandchildren Ryan William George, Moneca Rachelle George, Antwione Jamel Royce, Breauna Paige Smith, Rondale Michael Smith, Liaash, Melvin, Angel, Romel and Jermel. Great grandchildren Ryan George Jr., Gabriella, Ge’Mari, As’Jah, A’Maury, Neveah, Nyla and Ra’Zaya.

Dad leaves a host of other loved ones, friends and relatives, including brother-in-law, James E. Hurley, His niece and nephews Denise Slaughter, Larry Lockhart and Melvin Lockhart along with many other loved ones.