Gov. DeWine signs bill honoring Clarence “Sonny” Smith with highway designation
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signed seven bills into law on June 24, including Senate Bill 52, officially designating part of State Route 7 in Mahoning County after a local business owner and philanthropist.
The northbound and southbound lanes of State Route 7 between Washington Boulevard and Western Reserve Road are now known as the Clarence “Sonny” Smith, Jr. Memorial Highway.
“Sonny Smith poured out his heart and soul to the Mahoning Valley,” State Senator Al Cutrona (R-Canfield) said. “His philanthropy across the community, especially to Youngstown State and Boardman Township, affected the lives of countless Ohioans. This bill recognizes a great citizen for the Youngstown community.”
Active in the region, Smith was a strong supporter of Youngstown State University and Boardman High School, where he served as an elected member of the Boardman School Board from 1960 until 1971.
A successful businessman, he was also a generous philanthropist for Youngstown State University.
He donated his sizeable gem and geological specimen collection to the university, establishing the Clarence R. Smith Mineral Museum at YSU in memory of his father, Clarence R. Smith, Sr.
Smith received the honor of Penguin of the Year in 2002 and was inducted into the university’s Athletics Hall of Fame in 1999.
The Clarence R. Smith Jr. Family Mahoning Valley First Responder Wellness Center is also named after Smith for his generosity in the community and his help for first responders in need.
At 92 years old, Clarence “Sonny” Smith, Jr. passed away on April 13, 2021.
