Terry Smith

Terry Lee Smith, 81, of Vermilion, died Friday, December 4, 2020 at Hospice of Northwest Ohio after a lengthy illness. He was born March 14, 1939 in Ashland, OH and had been a Vermilion resident for the past 58 years moving from Ashland. Terry graduated from Ashland High School in 1958 where he had been active with the student council and several other organizations. He then graduated from Bowling Green State University in 1962 with a BS in Education. While at Bowling Green, Terry was active with several choral groups, the University Union, Dormitory Government, and he was a student Campus Police Officer. He did his graduate studies at the University of Toledo and Bowling Green. Terry worked as a teacher for Vermilion High School for 27 years where he taught American History, American Government, World Geography, and World History. He had also served as the Social Studies Department Chair for 15 years. He served on the Superintendent's Advisory Council for a term and on the Principals' Advisory Committee for many years. He was the treasurer, vice president, and President of the Vermilion Teachers' Association as well as on the Negotiations Team. He Advised the yearbook for 8 years and served for over 20 years as the teacher's representative to the Board of education. After retiring from Vermilion High School, Terry worked for Fisher-Riddle Funeral Home, Vermilion and Cinemark Movies in Sandusky as the head projectionist and trainer for 10 years. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Vermilion where he served as a councilman, Treasurer, President, and member of the Building Committee. He was also a member of the Ohio Education Association, National Education Association, Northeast Teachers Ohio Association, Firelands Association of Social Studies Teachers and the Yellow Ribbon Committee for the Study of Vermilion Local Schools. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Marilu (nee Ober) Smith of Vermilion; sons, Roy Smith of Elyria and Darin (Suzanne) Smith of Bowling Green; foster son, James (Brenda) Life of Vermilion; granddaughters, Madison Leigh Smith, and Rylee Marie Smith; grandson, Bryce Alexander Smith; foster grandson, Charles Jamison Life; and brother, Thomas T. Smith of Ashland. He was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Geraldine (nee Taylor) Smith and his sister, Tronita E. Jones. Private family visitation will take place with burial at Maple Grove Cemetery, Vermilion. A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions are suggested to Trinity Lutheran Church, 3747 Liberty Avenue, Vermilion, OH 44089 or the Vermilion Education Foundation, P.O. Box 556 Vermilion, OH 44089. Online condolences may be made at www.riddlefuneralhome.com.