Specialist George Thomas Smith Jr. PS-130
(1935-2025)
George was born on September 15, 1935, in Williamsburg, Kentucky, to George Thomas and Meldia Florence (Lee) Smith, Sr. By 1940, George Sr. moved his family to Cincinnati. George, Jr. attended Withrow High School and graduated in 1955.
George joined the United States Army on January 17, 1959, and after basic training served with the Army Engineers until July 13, 1959. He was honorably discharged from active duty and thereafter served in the Ohio National Guard.
On May 6, 1960, the Cincinnati City Service Commission announced that George finished second on a very competitive examination for Cincinnati Police Recruit. Three-quarters of the entrants failed. He was appointed to the Division’s 38th Recruit Class on May 29, 1960. On September 11, 1960, he was promoted to Patrolman on, issued Badge 659, and assigned to District 4 (7017 Vine Street). He immediately and publicly resigned, “due to his mother’s near nervous breakdown at the thought of him carrying a firearm.” On July 27, 1961 it was also publicized that he was actually separated on paper only while working with the Ohio Division of Liquor Control. Patrolman Smith was reinstated, on paper, on December 27, 1960 without loss of seniority. In October 1961, Ohio Attorney General Mark McElroy sent a letter to the Police Chief commending Patrolman Smith’s work on a successful multi-month investigation and prosecution of the Clifton Cocktail Lounge on Ludlow Avenue.
On July 2, 1967, Patrolman Smith was assigned to the prestigious Traffic Bureau (City Hall). He was promoted to Police Specialist on September 24, 1972, issued Badge PS-130, and assigned to the Tactical Patrol Section. On January 11, 1973 Specialist Smith transferred back to District 4. On September 28, 1975 he transferred to District 7 Canine (813 Beecher Street). Specialist Smith transferred to District 1 (310 Lincoln Park Drive) on August 5, 1979. His new assignment required that he solve the serious parking/traffic problems in Mt. Adams. Taking on that job like he did all others, in 1980 he wrote 6,675 tickets and another 6,095 in 1981. By 1985, he was assigned to the district’s administrative radar unit and earned glowing evaluations from his supervisors. Specialist Smith retired on January 9, 1988 with 27 years of service and 26 letters of appreciation and/or commendation.
After retiring, he continued to serve the community working in the Cincinnati Public Schools Security Department.
Specialist Smith was also a 72-year member of the Mt. Carmel Baptist Church and served as a Deacon. He was also a 50-year member of the Masons, Scottish Rite, and Shriners.
Specialist Smith died peacefully on August 2, 2025 six weeks before his 90th birthday.
He was predeceased by his sister, Pamela A. Smith (2011). He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Carlene (Coffey) Smith; children, George Thomas (Vida) Smith, III, and Cherie (Rob) Douglas; grandchildren, Tiffany C. Smith and Christina Douglas; and brother, Cincinnati Police Specialist John E. (Janice) Smith.
A visitation will be at from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. on Monday, August 11, 2025 at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church at 8645 Kenwood Road. A Fraternal Order of Police service will be held at 10:45 a.m. The celebration of life will begin at 11 a.m. Burial will take place at 1:00 p.m. at Spring Grove Cemetery at 4521 Spring Grove Avenue.
Memorials may be made to Mt. Carmel Baptist Church for Operation Christmas Child.
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