Paul A Smith

Paul was born on May 29th, 1947, in Bingham, Michigan, the son of Clifton Albert and Helen (Krystowiak) Smith. He is survived his sister Margaret (Daniel) Moore, and their four children, Chuck, Susan, Danny and Mary. He is also survived by his long-term female orange kitty companion of 16 years, Kiki. He loved her dearly.

Poncho’s passion was wildlife. During his teenage years, when going camping, he would search the woods looking for bones of wildlife for collecting. He watched numerous wildlife and how they would interact in the woods. When asked one time “how did you clean that bird skull so well?”, he smiled and said I go outside find an ant bed and bury the skull in it. He would then go back after several days and dig it up a nice clean skull to put on his shelf. That was our Poncho.

Poncho graduated from Palmetto High School in 1965. Shortly after high school, he served in the U.S. Army, including 18 months in Vietnam. Upon returning from service, Poncho attended and graduated from Manatee Junior College and then attended the University of Florida to study wildlife ecology and he continued as an avid Gator fan for the rest of his life.

In 1976, Poncho started his career at the Manatee County Clerk of Circuit Court. As a trial clerk, during the first 4 ½ years he took notes for records division, swearing in witnesses and performing other duties. The trials he covered ranged from suspended driver license to murder. He then became responsible for the paperwork after the courtroom work. Poncho worked in this area for the remainder of his 30 plus year career at the Manatee County Clerk of Court. Out in the community if someone needed something, the word was “See Poncho” at the Clerks Office. Many times, he told friends how much he loved working there with his work friends at the Manatee County Clerk of Court.

Once retiring, Poncho was able to spend time having breakfast with friends at Popi’s in Palmetto. After breakfast each morning he would drive slowly out to Emerson Point stopping frequently to spot the different wildlife. The next day at breakfast, he would tell friends about the various animals he saw, from small to large, and he loved sharing stories of special interaction with wildlife. Poncho also enjoyed fishing at Emerson Point and other places around Manatee County. At home he enjoyed watching old movies from his extensive collection.

Poncho was a gentle soul. In fact, his doctor, Dr. Raitz, upon hearing of his passing, said that “Poncho was a beautiful creature of God. He was humble, kind and compassionate.” Those words succinctly sum up our Poncho.

Due to the Covid issues at this time, the funeral and burial will be private. Interment will be at Skyway Memorial Gardens, next to Poncho’s mom. A celebration of Poncho’s life will be held in the near future.

In Poncho’s memory, we are requesting that donations be made to: c/o Justin Matthews, (Wildlife Rescue), 2207 81st Ave. E., Ellenton, Fl 34222 or to Wildlife Inc., Education and Rehabilitation, P.O. Box 1449, Anna Maria, Fl. 34216

There was only one “Poncho”, and he will be missed by many. “Go Gators”