GAIL WHITE Celebration serves as tribute to Clarence Smith's character

Clarence Smith thought he was going to a steak fry fund-raising event.
"There will be about 30 people there," the business owner and Mahoning County Republican Party chairman said to his wife, Rose Marie.
Smith is also chairman of Diamond Steel Construction Co., Compco Industries and its affiliates, and Adamas Gems & amp; Jewelry.
He was quite surprised when they pulled into the Youngstown Shrine Club, West South Range Road, North Lima. The parking lot was full. The grassy area on the side of building was full of cars as well.
Amazed at the turnout, he walked up to the pavilion. It was then that Clarence realized this wasn't about politics or raising money.
A sign hanging from the pavilion read, "Your family and friends wish you a Happy 75th Birthday! Sonny. We love you!"
Nearly 400 people were waiting in the pavilion to celebrate with him.
Certainly, Clarence Smith is a local political leader. Without a doubt, he is a successful businessman. But 400 people's showing up to celebrate this man's birthday is a response that no political affiliation or company warrants.
I would soon learn why the response was so great.
Wishes from all over
Clarence received good wishes from many local leaders on both sides of the political spectrum.
County Auditor George Tablack, a Democrat, wrote, "I feel privileged to call you friend and wish you many more years of success, except in elections!"
Clarence also received a proclamation from the state of Ohio as well as the U.S. Congress, a videotaped message from Gov. Bob Taft and a personal letter from President Bush.
Yet, the most moving messages came from Clarence's family and friends.
"He still makes my heart light after 53 years," Rose Marie said of her husband. "You have taught me how to trust in God, and I love you dearly."
"You have taught me so much about the people that work for you," daughter Gwen shared. "I love them because you love them. I love you, Dad."
Adoration nearly oozes from Clarence's son, Greg, when he speaks of "my father, my mentor and my friend."
"One of the most important things you told us kids," Greg said. "Is that family, friends and God are the most important things in life. I have never forgotten that."
What to give?
Ray Butler, a longtime friend of Clarence's, asked: "What do you give to a man who has everything? You can only give what he loves most, and that is to give to others."
To that end, $2,455 was donated to the Masonic Children's Learning Center in lieu of birthday presents.
Lifelong friend Bill Knecht said, "Smitty, it would take me an awful long time to say what I want to say about all you have done for this community."
Indeed, just the few acts of kindness mentioned filled my heart with awe. This man's generosity has touched the lives of many, often anonymously.
U.S. Sen. George V. Voinovich, former Cleveland mayor and Ohio governor, perhaps said it best: "Whether in business, philanthropy, volunteerism or politics, Sonny Smith is a role model of what a citizen should be and do."
On this evening, Clarence Smith remained true to the manner in which he has spent his 75 years.
He received his accolades and cheers graciously, and then, as is his legacy, he gave.
"All children want to hear something good about themselves," he began. "Each of you here tonight has contributed to a very, very wonderful day in my life. ... God has never disappointed me in what to expect from good people. You are good people. ... God bless you all for making my life wonderful."
Standing ovation
Four hundred people stood to give this man an ovation. Looking around the room, I saw people of wealth and those of modest means; individuals in positions of power and others whose power lies in family. I saw black and white, old and young; Democrat, Republican and those who don't care.
All clapped. All stood. True goodness knows no boundaries.
Clarence Smith is a man who has taken his good fortune, treated it with respect, and shared it with those around him. On this night, I witnessed as his cup runneth over.
gwhite@vindy.com