Paul Crutchfield Smith

Hi, Martha & Sarah, you sweeties, and hello to you precious two children. I haven't met you two, but when I was back home a couple of Christmas's ago, I looked y'all up and left a phone message, so I got to hear that awesome Devil Rays recording you two left!

I went to church every Sunday of my childhood with your daddy. How blessed are you among children to have had Paul for a father! Know that it was no mistake that he prioritized these last years to be with y'all as much as...

I worked with Paul in the early '80s at the Tallahassee Democrat. I've never met a finer person. He was warm and giving and made people laugh. One big-hearted guy. I am so sorry.

Dear Sarah, Martha, Dale and Kelsey,

Although none of you knew me, Paul and I were close friends in high school. He inspired me to be a writer and a teacher. As the editor of the SaPeCa, our school newspaper, he kept the staff and his audience laughing. His best known story was called, "Sassy, Go Home," and it was wonderful.

Paul was a wonderful friend, and loved his family. I know he will be missed by you, his friends, and gererations of readers.

...

Paul C had the biggest heart and the brightest smile.
Our condolences to his family from old Tallahassee friends,
Betsy and Bernie Daley

I did not know you personally but I am a HUGE DEVIL RAY fan and we will all miss you Go Devil Rays and Bucs!!

God Bless you

For several years, Paul was my colleague, my friend, my adviser, my listening post. He helped me through the good times and the rough times. Like so many others who knew Paul, I feel a deep and very sad sense of loss. Hutch.

I am very honored to have known Paul C and to have been considered a friend of his family. His love of life and family were and continue to be an inspiration. His wry sense of humor could always make you laugh - like the time we were dieting on Slim-Fast, and he told me how much better it was when you put in a few scoops of Haagen-Dazs ice cream :).

Our prayers are with his family.

Martha, Dale & Kelsey:

Words cannnot express the shock we felt when we heard the news of Paul's passing. We are incredibly lucky to have been associated with such a fine man. He was the ideal husband, friend, and devoted father! It was always a pleasure to run into him at the ballpark. We could always count on him for a smile and an uplifting conversation. While it is hard to understand why his life here was cut so short, one thing we know for sure, is that we find comfort in...

To Paul’s Friends and Family;
My thoughts and prayers are with each of you. I worked with Paul at The Tampa Tribune from ’85 – ’99. He was funny, smart, compassionate and quick to respond to your comments with a big smile. As we crossed paths in the hallways, he was always walking slowly while he read something (very focused), but also managed to find the time to share a moment. He was a great guy, and he’ll be missed.

To Paul;
Thanks for the great memories and...