Lewis R. Smoot, Sr.

A BRIEF GLANCE AT

A Well-Lived Life . . .

Lewis R. Smoot, Sr. departed this life, peacefully, on Saturday, February 10, 2024, at the age of 90. Lewis was born in Meadville, Pennsylvania, on Thursday, August 3, 1933, to the union of the late Sherman R. and the late Elizabeth Penman Smoot. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Nina S. Cain and his son, Stephen Smoot.

Lewis was a 1951 proud graduate of Garnet High School. He furthered his education at Michigan State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Building Construction Management. In junior high school, Lewis met a girl named Genevieve, who would later become his wife. It was during his time at Garnet High School that he cemented his career path. He said his parents wanted him to be a doctor, however, he liked the outside and was good with his hands, so Lewis decided to follow in the footsteps of his father.

On June 10, 1956, Lewis graduated from Michigan State University and married Miss Genevieve Winston, at the chapel, on the college campus, that same day! He reported to work at his father’s company seven days later. In September 1956, Lewis was drafted into the Army and served two years of active duty with the Army Corps of Engineers.

As the second generation, Lewis took over the business’ operations in 1972, and became president in 1978. In dealing with owners, contractors, and the construction industry in general, Lewis felt that working relationships were best forged alongside colleagues. He often said, “It goes to prove that there’s no such thing as ‘somebody’s got to be in control.’ With the right relationships, there can be meaningful, equal partnerships.” The 1980's marked the next natural progression for the company. Under the leadership of Lewis, Sr., the firm experienced unparalleled growth by expanding its market presence in Washington, D.C. and entering the Indianapolis market with the creation of Smoot Construction, LLC in 1991.  In 2022, The Smoot Corporation transitioned out of the D.C. market. Today we operate in the Midwest Region with offices headquartered in Columbus and Indianapolis.

Those who are here to reflect on and embrace the life and legacy of Lewis R. Smoot, Sr. are his wife of 67 years, Genevieve W. Smoot; sons, Lewis R. (Benita) Smoot Jr. and Richard (Kristi Bates) Smoot; grandson, Lewis R. Smoot III “Trey”; his two beloved grand-dogs, Merlin and Chase; nieces, nephews, other relatives, friends, associates, and business partners.

HIS BUSINESS ACUMEN READS AS FOLLOWS:

Mr. Smoot received numerous awards of distinction for his active participation in many aspects of the community.

To list a few:

Lifetime Achievement Award from the Conway Center for Family Business - 2015

West Virginia Black Schools/Sports/ Academic Hall of Fame, September 2008

Outstanding Achievement Award from the Global Diversity Summit in July 2008

Honorary Host for the 20th Anniversary for the Columbus State Taste the Future Culinary Gala

Speaker of the Hour for the Springfield MLK, Jr. Celebration, January 2008

Arthur A. Fletcher Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Black Chamber of Commerce, July 2007

Recipient of the March of Dimes, Real Estate Award, October 2003

A Pillar of the State Award, Ohio Statewide MBE/DBE Task Force, October 2003

Key Club of United Way Award, November 2001

2001 Stellar Performer Award presented by Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs, LLP

The “1994 Builder of the Dream” Award from the King Arts Complex

The “1993 Golden Achiever Award for Business” from Doctors’ Hospital

“Outstanding Citizen of the Year” awarded by The Building Industry Association of Central Ohio in 1993

Inducted into the Institute of American Entrepreneurs in 1992

A recipient of the “Master Entrepreneur” Award from Inc. Magazine & Merrill Lynch in 1992 and received “The Cornerstone Award (Man of the Year),” from the Central Ohio Builders’ Exchange in that same year

Entrepreneurial Success Award - 1997 Columbus District Winner

The Longevity and Perseverance Award from The Ohio State University Office of Minority Student Services in April 1996

Anti-Defamation League Civic Commitment Award in June 1995

He was the 1995 recipient of “The Salesperson of the Year Award” from The Sales Executive Club of Columbus

Mr. Smoot has been featured in various media arenas: 2004, Columbus C.E.O. feature article, “The Builder”; 1996, The Columbus Dispatch, Blue Chip Profile ran an article on Mr. Smoot and family values; in 1995, The Daily Reporter had a feature article on Mr. Smoot in which he noted that a good reputation is established one client at a time and in order to be successful, you must continue to “strive for excellence.” In 1994, Columbus C.E.O. Magazine published a feature article on the accomplishments of Mr. Smoot. He also received an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Ohio Dominican University, and an Honorary Doctorate of Community Leadership from Franklin University. Mr. Smoot had memberships and community involvement with the Lambda Boule, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, and Alpha Kappa Psi Fraternity. Mr. Lewis R. Smoot, Sr. had a long and distinguished career both in construction and community involvement in the central Ohio area, Indianapolis, and Washington D.C. and served in varied capacities as Trustee or Board of Director with numerous organizations - to name a few: Huntington National Bank, Federal Reserve Bank, MI Homes, and Hamilton Parker.

SERVICES

Friday, February 23, 2024

St. Philip Episcopal Church • 166 Woodland Avenue • Columbus, OH 43203

10:00 A.M. – Visitation

11:30 A.M. – The Omega Ceremony

12:00 Noon – Celebration of Life

SMOOT FUNERAL SERVICES

(614) 444-1GOD (1463) • www.smootfuneral.com

4019 E. Livingston Ave. • Columbus, Ohio 43227

M.L.Smoot, Director

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