Monroe Haywood Smith, Sr. was born on November 15, 1921 in Enid, MS, the eldest of six children born to Robert and Willie Smith. He was educated in the public schools of Charleston, MS, and later took classes through the University of Missouri. Moving to St. Louis as a young man, he began a 41 plus year career with General Cable and started in his own auto business (later Smith Auto Body) having locations including Sarah & Easton and the current one on Natural Bridge. He was also a union official with the IBEW.
In 1949 he married the love of his life, Eula Bernice Walker, and they were blessed with over 53 years of marriage. Two sons were born to this union, Monroe H. Smith, Jr. and Ronald D. (Ronn) Smith. Mr. Smith loved God and Washington Metropolitan AME Zion his church. He would say, “I want to live so God can use me.”
Monroe was a lover of sports and played as a barn stormer with the Negro Leagues in the Mississippi area. In St. Louis he bowled, played baseball and softball for General Cable and other teams. He coached “his other sons” the Hornets & Giants baseball teams, along with one of the company’s teams. Mr. Smith was also a Mason, a member of the Federation of Block Units, the Lamplighters (now Town & Country), 21st Ward, Natural Bridge and Newstead business associations, The North Newstead Development, Corp. Board, The Los Pores Bridge Club and other organizations.
In addition to his sons, those that will celebrate the life of Monroe H. Smith, Sr. include, sisters: Mary Baldwin of Chicago, IL; Lillie Tate (Gilbert); Doris Taylor of Charleston, MS; brothers Wheeler Smith (deceased); Marvin Smith; Forest Chapman (Bertha); granddaughter: Malena Smith and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
