Apr 18, 2021
NEGLEY Former Chairman of Compco Industries and former Mahoning County Republican Chairman, Clarence R. “Sonny” Smith, 92, died Tuesday, April 13, 2021, at Briarfield at Ashley Circle.
He also operated Adamas Gem Shop at Market Street and McClurg Road, and Diamond Steel for many years. He served as county GOP chieftain from 1998 to 2010; and was a member of the Mahoning County Board of Elections from June 1998 to Jan. 7, 2013.
Active in the community, Mr. Smith was a strong supporter of Youngstown State University and Boardman High School, Sister Jerome’s ministries, Native American Indians, Boy Scouts and many civic concerns. At YSU, he was a major contributor to Penguin sports programs and played a major role in philanthropic efforts to raise funds for the construction of Stambaugh Stadium. Mr. Smith served as the co-chair of the Stambaugh Stadium project and was instrumental in the brick campaign.