Title
To honor, recognize and celebrate the life of Lewis R. Smoot Sr., 1933-2024
Body
WHEREAS, Lewis R. Smoot Sr. was born on August 3, 1933 in Meadville, Pennsylvania; and
WHEREAS, Lewis graduated from Garnet High School and Michigan State University before serving two years with the Army Corps of Engineer then joining his father’s firm in Columbus in 1958; and
WHEREAS, Lewis was known for his ambitious leadership and led Smoot Construction to new heights, working on major projects across Ohio and the nation; and
WHEREAS, Smoot Construction assisted in the construction and development of several of Columbus’ most iconic landmarks, including the Ohio Statehouse, the Ohio Supreme Court, the Ohio Union, the King Arts Complex, the James Cancer Hospital, the Hilton Hotel, and Lower.com Field; and
WHEREAS, outside of his business success, Lewis was known for his involvement in civic leadership and regularly mentored and supported countless residents, with a particular emphasis on supporting the personal and professional growth of young Black residents; and
WHEREAS, Lewis received numerous awards and recognitions for his business success and civic leadership, including the Building Industry Association of Central Ohio’s Outstanding Citizen of the Year, the March of Dimes’ Real Estate Award, the ADL’s Civic Commitment award, and the Central Ohio Builder’s Exchange Man of the Year; and
WHEREAS, the City of Columbus extends its sincere condolences to the friends and family of Lewis Smoot, including his wife Genevieve Smoot, sons Lewis Smoot Jr. and Richard Smoot, grandson Lewis Smoot III, and countless other friends, extended family members, and loved ones across Columbus and beyond; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS: That this Council does hereby honor, recognize, and celebrate the life of Lewis R. Smoot Jr.