Michael Nathaniel Smith

Michael Nathaniel Smith was born on August 6, 1955 to Alice and Reed Smith. He departed this life on September 27, 2021. He is preceded in death by his grandmother Susi Fitch, mother Alice Mays, father Reed Smith, sister Pamela Gipp, grandson Myron Carr Jr., uncle Llewellyn Kimbro, nephew La'Daron Franklin. and close friend Jimmy Woodson.

Michael was a son, brother, father, grandfather, uncle, coach and friend. It didn’t matter what role he played in your life he stayed consistent with how he treated everyone. He was well known, loved and respected by many, and a legend in the boxing community.

He was a member of Serenity Church and served on the usher board. One of his favorite activity at the church was movie night.

He had a very strong personality and never backed down from his beliefs, thoughts or opinions and ALWAYS kept it real. He was a man of many attributes, such as being smart and intelligent, very creative (especially when it came to doing business and getting money, a sharp dresser, neat and very organized, a great cook, a hustler at heart, with the gift of gab and a true lady’s man.

He attended Scott High School and later earned an associate degree in business through Cleveland State University. He lived in Cleveland for many years returning to Toledo in 1996. Upon his return he established himself as an entrepreneur in the areas of real estate, entertainment and boxing. Business ventures such as Club Denae’s, Toledo Titians and Knock Down Promotions are just to name a few, along with multiple rental properties.

His passion for boxing led to his success as a boxing coach through both the Toledo Titians Academy and the Bishop Eli Berry Williams’ School of Boxing. Coach Mike has made a positive impact in the lives of many youth over the years.

During the years of 1999-2000 Coach Mike served as an assistant coach at the Toledo Police League boxing gym before starting the Toledo Titans Academy in 2001 with longtime friend Andy Bell.

For over 2 decades Coach Mike trained and helped kids stay off the streets. His boxing program impacted the city of Toledo by focusing on at risk youth, getting them to channel their anger into positive boxing energy.

Coach Mike took kids all across the country that have never been outside the city of Toledo. He consistently did this every weekend, the distance was never a concern, as long as his team could compete in boxing matches throughout the United States.

He is definitely considered one of the pioneers for the city of Toledo boxing community where he trained multiple national champions, professional boxers and future world champions. He was always giving back with his knowledge and love for the sport of boxing.

All of his accomplishments and achievements for his community involvement with the youth of the city of Toledo was acknowledged with a Proclamation by Mayor Mike Bell.

Michael loved family, and showed us how DNA is not the only way you can become family, but also by having a mutual love for one another. He took on the role of dad, grandad and uncle to practically everyone he came in contact with. The love he had for his mother, sisters, children and grandchildren was like no other. When it came to his grandchildren, no matter the situation he was there for whatever they needed and went above and beyond for all of them.

Michael leaves behind to cherish his memory, children Prudence Allen, Raquel Banks, Michelle Coffey, Michael Garmon, Michael Smith (Crystal), Matthew Smith and Shane Phillip Sr. (honorary son) Goddaughter Heaven Riley, sisters Sharon Gregory, Sherry Watson and Seffie Woodson-Strozier (honorary sister), brothers Dwight Petty, Kenneth Smith, Keith Smith and Carl Smith, uncle Marshall Kimbro, special cousin, Marlon Johnson and close friends Calvin Allen, Andy Bell, Calvin Kidd, Gary Mack, Darryl Akram Richardson, Darrie Riley, Terry Sample, Albert Savage, Kenneth Scott, Frank White, Gloria Williams and Ray Woodson, 21 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, friends and the boxing community.