Eugene Ellis Smith Sr.

With our deepest sorrow we announce that on Wednesday, August 4, 2021, Eugene Ellis Smith Sr., loving husband to Zoryleen and father of Kiara and Eugene Jr., passed away at age 52.

Eugene Ellis Smith Sr. was born on January 31, 1969, where he was raised in Roxborough neighborhood of Philadelphia to Jean Clark Smith Faison. He received his high school diploma from Roman Catholic High School in 1987 and continued with some college courses. On September 29th, 1994, he married Zoryleen Vanessa Smith. They raised two children, Kiara and Eugene Jr.

Eugene began his career with the Montgomery County Prison System in 1989. Eugene then joined the Philadelphia Prison System on June 3, 1991, when he was appointed as a Correctional Officer Trainee. Upon graduating from the Training Academy, Officer Smith was assigned to the infamous, Holmesburg Prison. This young, hardworking, exceptional correctional officer remained at the Holmesburg Prison until the opening of Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility (CFCF), the intake / maximum security prison in 1995. Officer Smith adapted well to the transition from a mass movement jail to a unit management setting. In 1999, Office Smith was transferred to the Alternative and Special Detention Unit (ASD). Officer Smith was effective everywhere he worked, always leaving a lasting impression. He remained at ASD until he retired on December 30, 2011, after twenty years of exceptional service.

Eugene was raised on May 10,1997 into St. Alban Lodge #35 of the Masonic Order.

Eugene had a passion for sports specifically basketball with his son, tennis with his daughter, and golfing with his friends. Eugene was known for his infectious smile, laugh, quick wit and compassionate spirit. Eugene loved listening to music and going to concerts. Eugene enjoyed cooking, especially on the backyard grill. He was a very loving and devoted husband and father.

Eugene was preceded in death by his mother, Jean Clark Smith Faison, his grandmother, Rose Clark Bundy, and his uncle James Fluellen (T-Bird). He is survived by his wife, Zoryleen, his daughter Kiara, and his son Eugene Jr. and a plethora of family and friends. Eugene would like to be remembered not in death, but in the life he lived.

Eugene is also leaving behind Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Burke along with their children and grandchildren, Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Clark, Mr. and Mrs. Pat Whitaker along with their children and grandchildren, Mr. Charles Gardella. 

Relatives and friends are invited to a visitation on August 20th at 10 a.m. at Koller Funeral Home, located at 6835 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia. A memorial service will follow at 11 a.m. Eugene will be buried at Merion Memorial Park, located at 59 West Rock Hill Road, Bala Cynwyd.

Flowers are welcomed for the service, but donation to the Smith Family are also available at https://gofund.me/6d220c35

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