George Arlen Smith

SMITH, George A. 84, of Washington Township, Ohio, passed away on Tuesday, February 21, 2017, at Kettering Medical Center after a sudden illness. George was a graduate of Stivers High School class of 1950 and an inductee in the Stivers Athletic Hall of Fame for golf. He went on to attend Ohio State University and was a three year letterman on the Varsity Golf team. His senior year he led the team to win the Big Ten by 22 strokes and he was considered one of the better amateur players in the nation. He entered the Army after college but was struck by the Polio virus on his 23rd birthday and was never able to walk again. He then began a successful career as a real estate agent specializing in land operating under the name of George A. Smith Realty in Centerville. In 1970, with his friend Wilbur Johnston, they purchased 110 acres on Nutt Road that would be known as Woodburn Farm for the next 35 years. Woodburn Farm was one of the most prominent thoroughbred horse farms in Ohio and raised many horses that competed on the national stage. Thoroughbred horse racing was George’s true passion and he was an avid fan of going to the track with his friends. He served as a past President of the Ohio Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners and as a Governor appointee on the Thoroughbred Advisory Board. He was preceded in death by his son Grantland L. Smith in 1999. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Norma (Bowman), his two daughters, Audrey (George) Nichols of Dedham, MA and Amy (Joe) Sauk of Upper Arlington, OH, and his son, Austin K. Smith of Washington Township, five grandchildren, Quincy, Grantland and Elliot Nichols and Andrew and Audrey Sauk. George will be missed by many wonderful friends whom he treasured and who shared his passion for life, playing cards, sports and horseracing. Memorial Service will be held 11:00AM Thursday, March 2, 2017 at the St. George Episcopal Church. Family will receive friends one hour prior to service. In lieu of flowers contributions can made in George’s memory to Old Friends Farm (a thoroughbred retirement facility) 1841 Paynes Depot Rd., Georgetown, KY 40324 or by credit card 502-863-1775. Arrangements completed by the TOBIAS FUNERAL HOME-Far Hills Chapel.