Eugene Victor Smith

1922 - 2021

Lifelong Galion resident and local entrepreneur, Eugene Victor "Vic" Smith passed away at age 98 in his home on Monday, January 11, 2021.

He was born on May 21, 1922, in Arcadia, Ohio and was the son of Benjamin and Hazel (Markey) Smith. Vic married Elizabeth L. "Betty" (Burgener) Smith on March 8, 1947, and she preceded him in death after 65 years of marriage on June 7, 2012.

He graduated from Galion High School in 1940 and enrolled in The Ohio State University. His college education was interrupted by the outbreak of World War II and he enlisted in the United States Marine Air Corps. Vic saw two tours of duty in the Pacific as a Corsair fighter pilot and he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Returning to Galion, he was involved in the outdoor advertising and retail paint business. In 1954, Vic founded Galion Amco, Inc. a machine tool manufacturing business which operates today as Galion LLC. The business grew from a few employees to several hundred over the years. He also purchased a similar company in Southern California, Wells Marine in 1974. These two companies were sold in 1985. Vic also purchased acreage in Morrow County, Ohio and operated a cattle and dairy farm for many years.

He was a devoted supporter of many charities, the Boy Scouts, the North Central State College, The Ohio State University, along with many local non-profits in Galion. Vic enjoyed watching Ohio State compete in college football and basketball for many years, holding season tickets for Buckeye football games. It's ironic and yet appropriate that he passed away on the same day the Ohio State football team played for the national title against Alabama.

He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. Vic and his wife enjoyed traveling, visiting seven continents over the years. In 1987, he purchased a 51 foot sailing vessel, which he named "Le Galion."

Over the next three decades, he, his family and many friends toured the Southern Pacific island chains, Fiji, Hawaii, the Caribbean and the coast of Baja Mexico.

Vic is survived by sons David Smith of Newport Beach, California and Matthew (Linda) Smith of Mansfield; daughter Victoria (Steven) Lupinacci of San Juan Capistrano, California; daughter in law Penelope Laek Smith of San Juan Capistrano, 12 grandchildren, Lauren, Dustin, Adam, Christopher, Whitney, Benjamin, Abigail, Kate, Emily, Nicholas, Parker and Julia and 15 great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents and wife he was preceded in death by a son, Timothy Smith and a grandson Michael Lupinacci.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to North Central State College Foundation–Smith family scholarship fund, Avita Health Foundation or the Galion Community Foundation in care of the funeral home.

Richardson Davis Chapel of Snyder Funeral Homes in Galion is honored to serve the family of Eugene "Vic" Smith, and condolences may be made to them at www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.