Milwaukee, WI – On a day established to celebrate independence, aspiration, and hope sprang forth a man of humility, strength, honor, and respect; one that is considered to be, "A Man with a Great Heart".

It was on January 8, 1941, in Oxford, Mississippi, that Nelson and Essie Lee (Nee: Marzette) Smith welcomed, with warm hearts, their 7 ^th child, Eugene Franklin Smith . The family continued to be fruitful and multiplied, producing a total of 12 children.

Eugene had an insatiable appetite and always strived to be the best.  He attended and graduated from Benjamin Franklin Ford High School.  He then moved to Milwaukee, WI at the age of 18 and lived with his brother John, whom he called "Rev".

While on his life's journey, the Lord blessed him to father a beautiful daughter, Micah Washington – Smith.  Then on September 7, 1971 he married Lorene Waldrop in New Albany, Mississippi and from that union his two sons, Cory Eugene Smith and Clarence Ivan Smith were born.

He was taught by his parents at an early age the meaning of 2 Thessalonians 3:10 – " For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat." Well, he made sure not only did his family eat but many others.

He began working at a welding company and soon his salary exceeded his elder brothers and many of his friends. He made a career change and began working for Miller Brewing Company and was soon blessed to purchase his first home. After retiring from Millers Brewing Company, his drive to be a positive leader in the community didn't stop there. He became a very successful entrepreneur in the City of Milwaukee and provided employment opportunities to many throughout the city for over 50 years.

He was the humble owner of Gene's Nitelife Lounge, Gene's Supper Club, Gene's Lane & Lounge along with Geno's Bar & Grill.

On Wednesday, February 23, 2022, a phenomenal father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend was called to transition peacefully from this side labor and works to a place of rest.

Those who loved him most includes his last remaining siblings which Eugene frequently fellowshipped with to maintain their close relationship, Reverend John (Amanda) Smith and Emma Ford both of Racine, Wisconsin. His children; Micah Washington – Smith of Long Beach, California, Cory Eugene (Marie) Smith of Tupelo, Mississippi, and Clarence Ivan (Brittany) Smith of Enterprise, Alabama. Grandchildren; Cristen Miller, Iveyana Smith, Ivan Smith Jr., Corvontae O'Neal Smith, Joshua Da'Shaun Smith, Pedro Clay, and Jermyia D. Willingham. Great Grandchildren; Khloee B. Smith, Aubrey M. Barton. A special niece; Theresa Faye Brooks, and a host of nieces, nephews, friends, and members of the Milwaukee and Racine communities.

Gene is preceded in death by 6 brothers; J.L. Smith, W.C. Smith, L.F. Smith, James William Smith, Robert Smith and Albert Smith, 3 sisters; Barbra King, Essie B. Carter and Virginia Dantzler.

The Celebration of His Life will be held on Saturday, March 12, 2022, 11:00am in the chapel of Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home, 4600 County Line Rd., Racine, WI.  Visitation on Saturday will be in the chapel from 10:00am until the time of service.  There will also be a visitation on Friday evening, March 11, 2022, 4:00pm – 6:00pm in the funeral home.  Interment will take place on Saturday in West Lawn Memorial Park, Racine, WI.

Masks must be worn at all times while in the funeral home.

Service Details

Funeral: Saturday, March 12, 2022 11:00am

Visitation: Saturday, March 12, 2022 10:00 – 11:00am

Friday Evening Visitation: March 11, 2022 4:00pm – 6:00pm

Location for Friday and Saturday: Chapel of Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home, 4600 County Line Rd., Racine, Wisconsin.

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