Dennis L Smith

Dennis L. Smith, 71, passed away on Wednesday, June 24, 2015 at the Cleveland Clinic. He was born on May 12, 1944, son of the late, Paul E. and Helen L. (Sillitoe) Smith in Warren, Ohio. He was a lifelong area resident. Dennis graduated from Warren G. Harding High School and went on to serve in the Air Force Reserves for six years. Dennis married his wife, Bonnie Bishop Smith, on January 21, 1967. Dennis had a passion for coaching soccer and coached for over 27 years in the Trumbull County area. In 1981 he organized and coached the first girls traveling soccer team in the Tri-County area. In 1985 he organized and coached the first girls high school soccer team at Howland High School and founded the Team Metro Soccer Club for girls and boys from the Trumbull County area. In 1991 Dennis was hired to coach at Hubbard High School. He continued running the Team Metro Soccer Club and conducting soccer clinics for area youths until recently. He was very proud of the achievements of his teams and players over the years, which include: over 200 victories, 14 Sectional Championships, 5 District Championships, 1 Regional Final Appearance and many TAC-8 titles. He also helped to produce 8 All-Ohio Players. His personal achievements include: being selected Coach of the Year by the Trumbull County Coaches Association 8 separate times, being selected District Coach of the Year on 4 occasions and being inducted into the Hubbard High School Hall of Fame. Dennis was an avid Cleveland sports fan and followed the U.S. Womens National Soccer team. He enjoyed collecting antiques, particularly art glass. Dennis liked to keep in touch with the many players he coached over the years through his Facebook page. He was so proud to have been a part of all of their achievements and life events, both on and off the field. Dennis was a family man with a wonderful sense of humor. He loved to spend time with his wife, children, grandchildren and dogs. He also deeply enjoyed his frequent calls with his brother, Roy, and his best friends. The many stories and memories that he helped to create will last a lifetime in the hearts of those who knew him. Dennis is survived by his wife of 48 wonderful years, Bonnie Bishop Smith; daughter, Heather (Chris Stratakis) Miller; sons, David (Lisa) Smith and Chris Smith; grandchildren, Joe Harvey, Justin Miller, Marella Smith, Meigan Smith and Lulu Smith; brother, Dr. Roy E. (Loretta) Smith; nephews, Jesse Smith and Jonathan Smith; and two beloved dogs, Polly and Myah. He was preceded in death by his parents. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Tuesday, June 30, 2015 at the Living Lord Lutheran Church, 851 Niles Cortland Rd NE, Warren, Ohio 44484, at 11:00 A.M. with Rev. Bill Leitch officiating. Friends may gather at the church beginning at 10:00 A.M. prior to services to greet the family. In honor of Dennis, the family would be touched to see those he coached honor him by wearing any soccer-related apparel. Arrangements were entrusted to the Lane Family Funeral Homes, Roberts Clark Chapel in Warren. Donations may be made in memory of Dennis to the Living Lord Lutheran Church, 851 Niles Cortland Rd NE, Warren, Ohio 44484. To view this obituary and to send online condolences to the family please visit www.LaneFuneralHome.com