Samuel Smith (“Bo”), age 98, of Dayton Ohio departed this life on Monday, October 13, 2025 at home surrounded by family.  He was born in South Carolina on October 26, 1926 to the late J. Lynia Smith and Annie Mayfield.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Mildred Nancy (Booker) Smith in 2008; all of his siblings-Maggie, Mary, Lila Mae, Carrie, Earnest, Harding, Willie, Nellie, James, Virgil, and his son-in-law Gregory Raglin Sr.

At a young age, Sam joined the US Navy in December, 1943 where he served in Pensacola, Florida for close to 3 years.  He exited the Navy in 1946 as a Seaman Second Class.  He moved to Dayton, met and married his beloved Nancy.  Upon her passing, they had been married for 57 years.  In 1950, he began working at GM Inland Division in various departments and part-time as a driver for Dille Laboratories.  After 30 years of service, Sam retired from Inland in 1980.

Once retired, Sam continued fellowshipping with his church family, Rockhill Missionary Baptist Church.  He enjoyed many hobbies: fishing, boating, hunting, camping and gardening.  He also loved to keep his lawn lush and green.  Trying something different, Sam began making and selling barbeque grills, some of which made it as far away as Cleveland.  He especially loved to play Tonk when gathering with friends and family.

He leaves three children to cherish his memories:  Tony (Gloria) Smith, Sr., Deborah Estelle-Raglin, and Linda Diane (Michael) Jamison; six grandchildren: Meka McCullough, Alicia (Danney) Evans, Dawn Estelle, Tony Smith, Jr., Daniel (Tamika) Smith and Amber (Steve) Walker; twelve great-grandchildren: Myiah, Taron, Taylor, Daniel (DJ), Jordan, Tamia, Troy, Tobias, Bailey, Xaiden, Inaya and Chloe. Bonus grandchildren: Gregory Jr., Dionne, Donald, Chanta, Keslee, Dawnyell, Ulysses III “Boosie”.

The family would like to acknowledge all the numerous wonderful friends, relatives and Rockhill Church members who called, visited, sent up prayers, and made special presentations on Dad’s behalf over the years.  Special thanks to his beloved niece, Faye Jones.  Additional thanks to Tico Murphy, Linda Blakes, Cynthia Pearson, Willie Blake, Henry Harris, Caregiving Angel’s aides Akima and Angela; Highview Elementary School family and those who traveled near and far.  We appreciate and love you all.