Gregory "Spanky" J. Smith's Obituary
SMITH, Gregory “Spanky” J., age 65, of Waynesville, passed away Saturday, May 24, 2025.
In Greg’s early career, he worked as a police officer for Waynesville, Harveysburg, and South Lebanon. In addition, he served as the police chief for the village of Harveysburg. He was proud to be the first cadet for the Warren County Sheriff’s Department. After a career change, Greg worked several additional years in the construction business as part of IUOE Local 18.
For many years, Greg was a member and active participant at A House of Prayer Church (AHOP) in Xenia. In addition to singing in the choir at AHOP, he volunteered for the Monday Night Freedom Recovery Ministry. In recent years, Greg attended Anchor of Hope Church in Lebanon.
Family-oriented, joyful, funny, caring, charismatic, compassionate, and empathetic, Greg was extremely patriotic and passionate in his political beliefs. He was giving and supportive, often buying and passing out gift cards to those in need. He was a Special Olympics volunteer and enjoyed the tradition of spending his Saturday mornings with his daughter, Ronni, to obtain bread and pastries to distribute through his church’s ministry. In addition, he was very passionate in supporting his daughter’s singing endeavors. Greg played the saxophone in high school and had a lifetime love of music. Throughout his life, he loved most genres, but his go-to was Christian contemporary music. He enjoyed music so much that in his earlier years, he started Spanky’s Party Sounds DJ Services. His love of sports was perhaps his most enjoyable hobby. He was a big fan of the Waynesville Spartans sports teams, even serving as the broadcaster of the Pee Wee and JV football programs for a while. However, his biggest sports passion was the Cincinnati Bengals. For nearly 20 years, he performed videography work for the Bengals. This not only allowed him to be on the sidelines and up in the booths during home games but also work alongside his dear friends and his son, Joe while enjoying his beloved team. His love of the Bengals was shared with his daughter, Chari, and they enjoyed many “Who Dey” moments. For many years, Greg hosted big Super Bowl parties, complete with door prizes, food, and fun for all. His other hobbies included turning other people’s trash into treasures. Always family-oriented, Greg had a tradition of taking his kids out to the restaurant of their choice on their birthdays. Greg “Papaw Spanky” loved his grandchildren with all his heart and enjoyed spending time with his grandson, Damon, on “the farm” working and playing. He also never missed a dance recital of his granddaughter, Cayla. Among many things, he will be remembered for his love of food, which he often photographed and posted on social media. While ultimately becoming what unfortunately led to his accident, Greg loved working on the farm and always had a passion for being outside performing projects. He especially loved being on his dad’s backhoe.
Greg was preceded in death by his father, Robert “Bob” Smith. He is survived by his son, Joe Smith (Autumn Clark); daughters, Chari (Andy) Cornett and Ronni Lynn Smith; four grandchildren, Damon, Cayla, Jayden, and Ayden; his mother, Janice Smith; and three sisters, Rhonda (John) Coffman, Rhoschel (Bryan) Bowman, and Rheneé (Dave) Schrader.
The family will receive friends from 3 - 6 PM on Monday June 2, at Anchor of Hope Church in Lebanon. A celebration of life service will immediately follow the visitation at 6 PM on Monday at Anchor of Hope Church, followed by fellowship and food in the reception hall. A private burial service will be in Miami Cemetery, Corwin. Stubbs-Conner Funeral Home in Waynesville is serving the family. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made toward the funeral services. Condolences at www.stubbsconner.com.
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