Carl Edward Smith, 82, of LaGrange passed away Friday May 1, 2026 while at home with his wife, Judy, and his step-children. He was loved by Judy, his son, Tory (Tara) and step children Mark Smith (Amy Kiss) and Leanne (Art) Rufo; grandchildren, Ryan (Jessica) Smith, Renee Erkilla, Alan (Megan) Smith, Austin (Ashley) Smith, John (Tiffany) Rufo and Mike Rufo. He was proud (GREAT) PaPa to Parker, Hope, Hunter, Hudson, Holden, Adaline, Austin, Savanna, Reed, Natalie, Chloe and Waylon.

Born September 7, 1943 to Ruben and Fannie Mae Smith, he grew up in Booneville, KY., where he played basketball and learned to play the guitar. During his high school years, his guitar picking in places around Hazard, KY. Earned him spending money. His brother Jim, brother R.B. and sister Liz knew him as “Eddie” or “Luther” (named for Luther Perkins, the guitar player).

He met a teacher recruiter from Huron County, Ohio while still in college at Eastern Kentucky State. As a result, he began teaching at Wakeman elementary school after traveling “up north” with nothing but a few clothes and $39.00 in his pocket. He soon received his Bachelor’s Degree from Ashland College. After teaching for a few years, he became a work-study coordinator for the Huron County Schools and made many friends during his job-related travels around the county. He worked as a toll collector for the Ohio Turnpike before earning his Master’s Degree at Ashland College.

Carl excelled at his music and played in several bands with Judy through the years. The guitar was his identity. He has entertained many people with his “finger pickin” style. Musicians who have played with him would always walk up to him and ask “are you still pickin’ that guitar?”

The family will receive friends Thursday May 7, 2026 from 2:00 p.m. until the time of a 3:00 p.m. Memorial Service at the Laubenthal-Mercado Funeral Home and Cremation Services 38475 Chestnut Ridge Rd., Elyria.

Burial will be private.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.laubenbthalmercado.com