Eric Smith, 60, of Cleveland, Ohio, passed on August 29, 2023. Eric was born on July 15, 1963. To Luther and Betty Smith, he is the oldest of 2 brothers; Tod and Ishmael (his beloved lil brother who preceded him in death) and his sister Nicole.
Eric grew up in Cleveland and East Cleveland, where he attended public school. He played chess at the early age of 9 and participated in tournaments. He was also and an avid swimmer, and a member of the Shaw Highschool swim team. He graduated from West Tech and was in the first group of students that integrated the Cleveland Public Schools. During the first year of integration, students were met by vicious attacks from adults in the community.
He later settled in that same westside community with the late Denise Hunter, activist and mother to his only son Derrick. They were together over 20 years until her untimely death. He later met Meeka Hawthorne, they forged a strong loving relationship beyond this time and place.
Eric was Uncle E and Pops to the neighborhood young adults. For awhile he was an boxing coach at Cudell Rec. He loved football, basketball and betting. He was chef and grill master.
He leaves to mourn, his son Derrick, his brother Todd, and his sister Nicole, and his mother Betty. He also leaves to mourn Meeka his partner, his nieces Ariel, Avion, Ariona and nephews Taurean, Darrlye, Tez, Ishmael, Bobby, Drew, Malik and a host of great nieces, nephews family and friends.
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