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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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 7th 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.
SK n Marilyn Pearson ( Williams) says
Sending my condolences to the Smith family trouble don’t last always
SK n Marilyn Pearson ( Williams) says
Sending my condolences to the Smith family my prayers are with you all
Shirley Rogers says
So sorry for your loss. His smile will forever be remembered. May you find comfort in your memories of him as well as comfort in the arms of our almighty father. God bless you all.
KENNY WALKER says
To a stand up guy gonna miss you Gene my condolences
La' Tanya Reed says
Gene you were loved by so many and your memory will live on . My thoughts and prayers goes out to the Smith family I am so sorry for your loss . Rest In Heaven
Larry K. Myles says
I will miss you my dear friend,and God Bless You and the entire Smith Family !
Dian Glore says
Gene you will be miss by everyone. As President of Gene’s Social Club I Thank you for the admirations n giving us kindness, loyalty n trust in representing you n your organizations for many years. Rest In Peace my brother. Dian Glore
Maggie Cobb says
Gene will be missed great memories in Milwaukee.My condolences to the family
Gwen Surry / Reed Family says
Sending, Love, Hugs and Sympathy from your Reed Family. Prayers to the family and friends.
God Bless,
Reed Family – Florida
Veleka Nikita Lane & Family says
Uncle Eugene was a sweet man and a very loving man, he will truly be missed.
Michelle Crockett says
Condolences to the Smith family and friends! Gene will be truly missed.
Melvin Reese says
Rest in heaven 😇🙏🏾📖🙏🏾🤲🏾
Stanthia Grier says
Condolences and prayers to the Smith family. Gene was an outstanding leader and will be missed.
Cynthia Stokes-Murray says
My prayers and condolences are with family.
Rest Well, Gene.
Don Rosette says
A man who was respected by all and one who respected all. Rest in peace my friend.
Martha Evans says
Sending my condolences to the family.
“But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.”
(1 John 4:4 NLT)
Our friendship will always be appreciated.
Elizabeth Coggs says
Our sincerest condolences for the family at this time.
You all have our deepest sympathy and unwavering support.
Wishing you peace, comfort, courage, and lots of love at this time of sorrow. Our hearts goes out to the family at this difficult time.
Gene was Phenomenal to our Community and He will be Truly Missed.
-Elizabeth Coggs & Coggs Jones Family
Jackie Barber says
Condolences to the family.
DOROTHY,LULA,ELSIE, GARTH says
OUR CONDOLENCE TO THE FAMILY OF MR. SMITH IN DEEPEST SYMPATHY WE THE AUNTS OF COREY SMITH WILL CONTINUES PRAYERS FOR YOUR. STRENGTH. WITH LOVE THE GARTH SISTERS.
Fred and Stephanie Gordon says
Rest in Power dear friend. A wonderful person, distinguished businessman and good man. Love and light to the family.
Love Fred Gordon and Stephanie Archia
Connie Cobb Madsen says
My condolences to the Smith family and to Michelle Hudson for her kindness and care given to Gene.