Paul Smith Obituary

SMITH, Paul Crutchfield, 46, of Lutz, died February 26, 2005. He was born in Mariemont, Ohio, and attended St. Petersburg Catholic High School, the University of South Florida and the University of Florida. He was a sportswriter for the Tallahassee Democrat from 1980-85. He worked at the Tampa Tribune from 1985-2000, including 10 years as sports editor, then worked for MLB.com until his death. He is survived by his wife, Martha; his son, Dale; his daughter, Kelsey; and his sister, Sarah B. Smith of Fort Collins, Colo. His family and his many friends will miss Paul's loving spirit, his unfailing good humor and his generous nature. Services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, March 3, at St. Timothy's Catholic Church in Lutz, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Paul's favorite charities, Corner of Hope Food Pantry, c/o Victorious Life Church, 6224 Old Pasco Road, Wesley Chapel, FL 33544, and The Joshua House, a home for abused, neglected or abandoned c hildren, P.O. Box 1907, Lutz, FL 3548. In addition, friends of the family have established a trust fund for the benefit of Paul's children at The Bank of Tampa, "The Paul C. Smith Children's Trust," P.O. Box 1, Tampa, FL 33601. Please contact Karen R. Smith, Esq., for more information at (813) 835-6109.

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Published by TBO.com on Mar. 2, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Paul Smith

9 Entries

Kathy Campbell

March 2, 2005

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 he could. God made sure of that.

I have so many stories about Paul that I would love to share with you, so I shall send you cards in the months to come and share those stories with you.

...And in this way, God will shower loved ones and strangers alike on you to comfort you and support you through this saddest of seasons. My prayer is that you will let our ministering love and concern, and the solace of these memories, into your hearts. Please, feel the love.

Big hugs from Kathy Campbell

Lynn Medford

March 2, 2005

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.

Laura Joannides Hunter

March 2, 2005

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.

Please know that all of us from the St. Petersburg Catholic community will have you in our prayers.

With greatest sympathy,

Betsy Daley

March 2, 2005

Paul C had the biggest heart and the brightest smile.

Our condolences to his family from old Tallahassee friends,

Betsy and Bernie Daley

Edna butler

March 2, 2005

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

Al Hutchison

March 2, 2005

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.

Jan Salhoff

March 2, 2005

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.

Ron & Diana Nunez

March 2, 2005

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 knowing that he touched so many lives in a positive way! Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless You!

Jose Bello

March 1, 2005

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 for always sharing a little time with those around you.

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