Paul J. Smith

O CAPTAIN! my Captain! our fearful trip is done;
The ship has weather'd every rack, the prize we sought is won;
The port is near, the bells I hear, the people all exulting,
While follow eyes the steady keel, the vessel grim and daring:
But O heart! heart! heart!
O the bleeding drops of red,
Where on the deck my Captain lies,
Fallen cold and dead.


O Captain! my Captain! rise up and hear the bells;
Rise up--for you the flag is flung--for you the bugle trills; 10
For you bouquets and ribbon'd wreaths--for you the shores a-crowding;
For you they call, the swaying mass, their eager faces turning;
Here Captain! dear father!
This arm beneath your head;
It is some dream that on the deck,
You've fallen cold and dead.


My Captain does not answer, his lips are pale and still;
My father does not feel my arm, he has no pulse nor will;
The ship is anchor'd safe and sound, its voyage closed and done;
From fearful trip, the victor ship, comes in with object won; 20
Exult, O shores, and ring, O bells!
But I, with mournful tread,
Walk the deck my Captain lies,
Fallen cold and dead.

I first met Mr Smith when my son Christian joined the Palmetto Sr High School Band. I feel I can speak for my family when I say we will surely miss a collegue,teacher and friend. He was always a caring and beautiful person no matter how difficult the situation may have been. We will miss him. God bless you,friend. Some day we will meet again. Janice Nicholeris and Family

This is for Ann - Our prayers are w/you & your family at this terrible loss of
your son. To lose a child of any age is so out of the order of how we think life is going to be. Dennis & I lost a son, Greg, 19 years ago. When we saw Paul's obituary in the Banner Press we were deeply saddened. We have fond memories of your father & mother. You are in our prayers.
If you would like to talk my email is: [email protected]
Jan Slama Swanda.

Paul was one of the first we met when we moved here to Miami. He quickly welcomed M-A into the music program at MPSH and her music ability flourished. I too had the pleasure of being on the Band Boosters and working with Paul for many years. Being from Homer Glen, Il we had our special Chicago bond. He will be deeply missed, but never forgotten for his honesty and patience. May his memory live on in the music of his students.
Sincerely, Themis, Vicki, MariAlex and Stephen Michalakos

As was said today, Heaven gained a new Band and Trombone Choir DIrector. Mr. Smith was a talented musician, a wonderful teacher, and a nice person. He will be greatly missed, and we are fortunate to have known him.l

Chic, Maryann, and Raphie Lynne

we love you and we miss you alot from miami palmetto marching panther band

love,

phil

Lisa and Wade, my heart goes out to you as you grieve the loss of this wonderful man who was loved by you and gifted you with his love. No words can fill the void. Only the Lord can give you the strength to carry on secure in His care. Love ya. Cindy

Dear Ann & Family, On behalf of all JJC Annuitants may I extend our most sincere expression of sympathy.Paul was obviously a fine musician & teacher, well respected by all students, friends, & family. May you all find peace, comfort, & understanding in your family, friends, & faith. Jerry E Lewis, President, JJCAA

Dear Lisa
We wish you all the peace and comfort you need at this moment to cope with this very tragic loss you have suffered. HOping you will gain strength and acceptance as promptly as possible !
Warmest regards
Sylvia and Manny Perez

Dear Ann and Family:My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. I was so hopeful that following treatment, Paul would once again experience good health. Keep fond memories of Paul close to your heart. In sympathy, Carolyn M. Engers

Dear Ann and Family:I am one of many who are very saddened by the death of your son, Paul. I was so hopeful that he would have licked this cancer to experience good health again. Our deepest sympathy to you. I know you will cherish your loving memories of Paul. Sincerely, Carolyn M. Engers

I have not seen Paul in years and was saddened to hear of his passing. I was too young to appreciate it at the time, but Thank you, Paul, for playing her favorite tune at her funeral. I never knew an ugly instrument could play such beautiful music. My deepest sympathy to the Smith family.

Paul was a real gentleman, an excellent musician, and a treasured friend. May he rest in peace. We send our deepest sympathy and wishes for God's blessings on Lisa, Wade, Paul's Mom, and his family as they grieve their loss.

He will never be forgotten, a smile and warm feelings will always come when we remember Mr. Smith . He has meant a great deal to many , our family being one. Like HIS MPHS marching band always told him .... Rock Smith Rock ! Sandra and Vicky Padron

Thank You Paul for all that you have give us. That is yourself through music. There is so much in my life that you are responsible for and i just want to say thank you. Save me a seat in that Jazz band in the sky.

In the short time I knew Paul I considered him a friend. I am witness to his accepting Christ as his Lord and Savior. I am witness to the healing of his soul. My prayers are with his Family, Lisa and Wade. You know I am there for you all. Wade, Lisa, anything you ever need, I am here for you. God Bless Paul and God Bless you with the Peace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The music world has lost a great performer, and promoter of the craft. Paul was a wonderful guy. Condolences to the family.

We will always remember Paul's friendship, his humor, his knowledge of music and inspiration, that kept Trevor playing music at Palmetto.
Krista Rob & Trevor Lundquist

My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time of loss. I have many fond memories of Paul from our high school days.