Philip Randolph Smith

Born on May 31, 1953, in Detroit, Michigan, Philip graduated from Williamsville North High School and went on to earn a bachelor's degree from Western Michigan University and a law degree from the University of Chicago Law School, He was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1996. Philip's professional career was focused on helping others, first for the State of Michigan, and then the Social Security Administration. When he retired, Philip moved to Venice, Florida to care for his mother Helen until her death in 2014.

Philip enjoyed traveling and loved exploring new places. He enjoyed numerous transatlantic and Caribbean cruises as well as extended trips to Europe, Thailand and South America. An avid bridge player, he played weekly with the Greater Venice Duplicate Bridge Club and achieved the American Contract Bridge League rank of Bronze Life Master. Throughout his life, Philip was an active supporter and advocate of the LGBTQ community and their civil rights.

Philip is survived by his brother Brian, his brother David and his wife Creig, and his nephews Thomas and Andrew. He was preceded in death by his parents Donald and Helen Smith and his beloved cat companion Fuzzbutt.

In keeping with his wishes, Philip's ashes will be spread in the Gulf of Mexico by the National Cremation and Burial Society. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Philip's memory to the Humane Society of Sarasota County, 2331 15th Street, Sarasota, FL 34237; the Point Foundation, P.O. Box 60108, Los Angeles, CA 90060-0108; or the American Civil Liberties Union, 125 Broad Street, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10004.

May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him.