Elmer “Sonny” Smith

Elmer “Sonny” Smith. Age 79 of Columbus, OH passed away peacefully on June 24, 2022. Elmer was born November 9, 1942, in Hattiesburg, MS. He was the firstborn to (Mae Ella Gaddis) and Saint Elmo Smith. He was affectionately given the nickname “Sonny Boy” by his family. Sonny moved to Columbus, OH in 1948.

Sonny was a 1963 graduate of South High school where he played Football. After high school, Sonny went on to serve in the United States Army where he served 4 years active duty and 3 years Reserves. While in the Army, he learned to play the guitar. After leaving the military, Sonny went to work for Columbia Gas. In 1995, he retired following 30 years of faithful service.

Sonny accepted Christ at an early age. He was a member of Wesley Chapel Methodist Church. There he served as a Sunday School Teacher and Superintendent, church bus driver and coach for the basketball team.

Sonny always put his family first. He was a dedicated father to his two daughters, Jeneice Smith and Karen Smith Parks whom he adored. On November 26, 1977, he married the love of his life, Mary Pollard Smith. Together they raised his two daughters along with Mary’s two sons Ronald and Phillip Pollard.

Sonny was a strong, kind, loving, and supportive father. His knowledge and guidance were the foundation of his family. Sonny enjoyed fishing, playing the guitar, listening to music and taking pictures. Most of all he loved spending time with his family. His grandchildren were his world. His face would light up when he heard them call him “Papa”. There was nothing he would not do for them.

Elmer “Sonny” Smith was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Pollard Smith, daughter, Jeneice Smith, parents, Saint Elmo & Mary Smith, brother, Michael Smith and niece, Sherron Mixon.

He is survived by daughter, Karen Smith Parks; step sons Ronald (Brenda) and Phillip Pollard; grandchildren: Lakeisha (Chris), Tenisha, Crystal, Felicia, and Stephon, Kalyca, Keondrey, Kyla (Brian King), Kayja, Kamarr, Anthony(Brittany), Phillip Pollard Jr, and Antwan; siblings Shirley (Barry) Mixon, Kenneth (Jennifer) Smith and Gloria Smith; sister in-law Pam Smith, Denise Reid; brother in-law Lenny Jackson; twenty-four great grandchildren, the Bolden and McCall families and a host of nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

Private Visitation 9:00 AM and Private Funeral Service 10:00 AM Friday, July 1, 2022 at MARLAN J. GARY FUNERAL HOME, THE CHAPEL OF PEACE EAST, 5456 E. Livingston Ave. (one block east of Noe Bixby, turn North on Lonsdale Rd.).

Interment at Glen Rest Memorial Estates.