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George Smith Obituary
George E. "Sonny" Smith
84, Indianapolis, passed away on October 1, 2011. Renowned as a Harlem Globetrotter and member of the Negro Baseball League, he was player and team manager of the Chicago American Giants. He earned many awards and commendations over the years including: in 2000, induction into the Negro Baseball League Hall of Fame; in 2001, induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame for the Harlem Globetrotters and the National Baseball Hall of Fame; in 2006, Pioneer Award from the National Association of Black Journalists and in 2009, Marion County Sheriff Department Certificate of Appreciation.
A member of St. John A.M.E. Church and its Sons of Allen, he had served as drummer at the First Freewill Baptist Church. He was employed by A&P and Marsh supermarkets as Meat Department and Seafood Manager, retiring in 2008.
He was an honorably discharged veteran of the U. S. Army.
On Saturday, October 8, there will be calling from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., with a Celebration of Life Service at 11 a.m. at St. John's A.M.E. Church 1669 Columbia Avenue. Entombment will be at Crown Hill Cemetery and Mausoleum.
He is survived by his wife of fifty-nine years, Margaret B. Smith; children, George Smith, Jr., DeMorris (Candace) Smith), Joi Smith and Jennene Hawkins; five grandchildren; two great grandchildren; sister, Mayme Blakely and brother, Charles Smith.
Final arrangements are entrusted to Stuart Mortuary . Expressions of condolence and sympathy should be directed to:
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
John and Betty Skelton
October 8, 2011
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Ken Skelton
October 7, 2011
Sorry to hear about the passing of Mr. Smith. He was a real gentleman and friend to our family, especially during our HS years. Our condolences to your family.
Ruth Morrow
October 7, 2011
Ryan I am sorry to hear about the lost of your grandfather. My sympathy and love goes out to you and your family. May God bless you all and my prayers are with you. WBKO friend
Henn Family
October 7, 2011
We are so grateful to George for all the years he joined us at the Julian Center Shelter for our annual Christmas party for the residents. He was so generous and giving of his time and talents. We appreciated it very much. He will be greatly missed.
The Henn Family
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October 7, 2011
To Ryan Smith and family, my prayers and thoughts go out to you, as you celebrate the homegoing celebration of your grandfather. Deborah Claypool, WBKO-TV-Bowling Green, KY 42101
Glynis Thomas
October 7, 2011
To Jennene, God Bless you and the family. You know your Dad was part of my growing up years, He kept me in check just as much as my own Dad!!!!. Peace to you!!!
Glynis!
George Whitfield III
October 7, 2011
To live in hearts we leave behind
Is not to die.
~Thomas Campbell, "Hallowed Ground"
Mr Smith will be missed. I always enjoyed talking to him.
October 6, 2011
To Margaret Smith and Family,
Praying that God will comfort you and give you His strength during this difficult time. May his precious memories forever stay in your heart. Remember there is no sorrow that GOD can not heal. We will continue to lift your family up in prayer.
John and Carolyn Burt
Orion Bell
October 6, 2011
The staff and volunteers at CICOA Aging & In-Home Solutions wish to express our sorrow at the passing of Sonny Smith. Our thoughts and prayers are with Margaret and the family.
Guy Lipkins
October 6, 2011
"Mr.Sonny" was one of my first role models, and one of the greatest influences of my teenage years, and beyond. Growing up without a father, my seeing "Mr. Sonny" at "any, and every" activity that his children were involved, always left me "impressed", but at the same time,"envious". "Mr. Sonny's" attention, advice,
and example had a profound impact on me. I did not see him often, nor did we spend hours talking, but when I DID see him...
Pro Basketball players are common place, and Jazz drummers are a dime a dozen, but a true GENTLEman is rare. "Mr. Sonny was such a man". Sparky, DeeGee, Joi and Jennine, you all were truly blessed to have the prototype for "Cliff Huxtable" in the same house with you. "Mrs Margaret", THANK YOU for sharing your husband, and friend with SO many of us! You have NO idea what you two mean to mean me!
The sadness surrounding his departure, is surpassed by the elation of my having known him!
Wendy Abel
October 6, 2011
My thoughts and Prayers are you all you you during this time. Mr. Smith was a wonderful person, and he will be missed.
Patricia Wachtel
October 6, 2011
Mr. Smith was so kind to be a special guest at our Girls Inc event in conjuntion with the NCAA Women's Final Four this past April. I will always remember how patient he was with the little ones who wanted his autograph or a photo with him. Of course, it was not unusual for him to interface with children as a role model and hero. He did it with such grace. We will always be grateful. May all of his family be comforted by their loving memories of this wonderful man!
james massie
October 6, 2011
blessings to the family. god know what he is doing. james red massie class of "70"
October 6, 2011
May God grant you the peace and comfort you need to endure such a time as this.
Cynthia Black-Simmons, Indianapolis, IN
Lester Busby
October 6, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Stuart Mortuary
October 6, 2011
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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