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SALEM - Gregory Bradford Smith Sr., 60, of Salem, passed away Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, after a courageous and hard-fought battle with pancreatic cancer.
A devoted husband, proud father, respected business leader, mentor, philanthropist and man of deep Christian faith, Greg leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of leadership, generosity and love.
Greg was born May 6, 1966, in Youngstown, the son of Clarence and Rose Marie Smith.
Following graduation from Boardman High School in 1984, Greg earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business and marketing from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, and later an MBA in Executive Leadership from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Greg joined Compco in July 1988, continuing a proud family business legacy that began with his grandfather in 1954. As the company’s third-generation Chairman of the Board, he carried forward the values of integrity, hard work, service, and community stewardship instilled in him by his father and grandfather. Under his leadership, Compco continued its reputation as a leading American manufacturer of tank heads and steel products, headquartered in Columbiana.
His support of the local community was widespread. He often said that Compco, a leading supplier of tank heads in America, was more than a manufacturing company: “We are a proud community partner.”
Greg’s quiet philanthropy extended throughout the Mahoning Valley, where he generously supported education, youth development, faith-based organizations, and numerous charitable and civic initiatives. He believed deeply in giving back to the communities that had given so much to his family.
Baptized at Boardman United Methodist Church, Greg was a man of strong Christian faith, often delivering Sunday sermons at the Church of Christ in Salem. His faith was a guiding force in his life and was reflected in his generosity, compassion, and commitment to serving others.
Greg was passionate about leadership and believed that every individual possessed the potential to grow, succeed, and positively influence others. He dedicated much of his life to helping people recognize that potential, equipping them with the confidence, communication skills, strategic thinking, and servant leadership principles needed to make a difference.
A lifelong student and teacher of leadership, Greg was deeply influenced by his longtime friend and mentor, internationally recognized leadership expert John C. Maxwell. As a founding member of the John Maxwell Team, a certified speaker, trainer, and coach, and a Gallup Strengths Performance Coach, Greg became a highly respected voice in leadership development. He was instrumental in advancing leadership education throughout Mahoning and Columbiana Counties, including his involvement with Leadership Columbiana County and numerous regional leadership initiatives.
Greg was also an accomplished author, educator, and public speaker. He authored Speak Like a Pro without Looking Like a Jack@$$, a practical and engaging guide to public speaking and presentation skills, and coauthored Command the Room. He shared his expertise as an instructor at Youngstown State University’s School of Communication, teaching interpersonal communication, group dynamics, and public speaking.
Greg was especially passionate about the power of the human voice and its ability to inspire, influence, and connect people. He took great pride in his training with renowned celebrity vocal coach Roger Love and his certification under Tom Burke. As a vocal coach himself, Greg worked with individuals around the world, helping them communicate with greater confidence, authenticity, and impact. A member of the Tom Burke Voice Studio Professional Mentorship and owner of Vocal Catalyst, Greg believed that finding one’s voice was about far more than speaking well; it was about discovering the power to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
He was a sixth-degree black belt in Kenpo Martial Arts and served on the Bruce Lee Foundation Board for 15 years.
In 2024, Greg was the recipient of the Better Business Bureau Youngstown Torch Award for Marketplace Trust, and on Monday, Oct. 19, 2026, he was posthumously honored with the Community Service Award from the Boardman Civic Association, recognizing his longstanding dedication to helping others and strengthening his community.
Greg was a member of Toastmasters International Local #408 and the National Speakers Association.
He was a 33rd-degree Mason of the Scottish Rite, Valley of Youngstown, and a member of the Allen, Argus, and Western Star Lodges. He was a past Worshipful Master of Argus Lodge and a Past District Deputy Grand Master of the 24th Masonic District.
Greg loved singing and performing, a passion that led to the purchase of the Columbiana Arts Theater (CAT). Under his leadership, the theater was rejuvenated as a popular gathering place for concerts, lectures, and community events.
Greg was a member of the Salem Rotary Club, Iron Penguin Club, Youngstown State Basketball Boosters, and Leadership Columbiana County, and served as a board member of the Elevate Columbiana Foundation. His involvement in these organizations reflected his lifelong dedication to service, education, leadership, and community enrichment.
While Greg’s professional accomplishments were many, his life was defined by far more than his success in business. Family held a special place in his heart, and he took tremendous pride in his children and the lives they were building. He treasured the time spent with those he loved, the memories they created, and the relationships that brought meaning and joy to his life. His role as a father was an important part of who he was, and the values he shared through his words, actions, and example will continue to live on through his family.
On Jan. 22, 2025, Greg married his beloved wife and the love of his life, Rachel. Their marriage was a beautiful chapter in his life, filled with love, companionship, shared adventures and an unwavering commitment to one another. Together, they embraced life’s joys and challenges, finding strength in their partnership and the love they shared. Through his courageous battle with cancer, Rachel remained faithfully by his side, surrounding him with love, compassion and devotion.
Those who knew Greg will remember his remarkable ability to connect with people from all walks of life. Whether speaking before a large audience, mentoring an emerging leader, encouraging a friend, or quietly helping someone in need, Greg had a gift for making others feel valued and capable of achieving more than they believed possible. His generosity was often extended without recognition or expectation, reflecting his belief that the greatest measure of leadership was the positive impact one had on the lives of others.
Above all, Greg will be remembered for the love he shared with his family, the friendships he cherished, his unwavering faith and the countless lives he touched. His influence will continue through his children, his family, the leaders he developed, the organizations he supported and the community he loved.
His life was a testament to the belief that true success is not measured by titles, accomplishments or possessions, but by the people we love, the lives we enrich and the legacy we leave behind.
Greg’s legacy will live on not simply in what he accomplished, but in the countless hearts he touched and the love he leaves behind.
Greg leaves behind his mother, Rose Marie; his wife and love of his life, Rachel; sons, Roman, Brad (Ashley), Skyler and Reagan; step-children Jacob, Riley and Max; two sisters, Gwen (John) Smith-Darnell and Gail Smith; nephew, Richard (Christy) Kamperman; and niece, Kim (Tom) Varley.
Calling hours will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22 at Davis-Becker Funeral Home on Market Street in Boardman.
A celebration of life will honor Greg’s memory at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22, at the Columbiana Arts Theater, 5 N. Main St., Columbiana.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Gregory B. Smith Sr. Legacy Foundation, 1965 Shady Lane, Salem, Ohio 44460. Established by his wife, Rachel, out of her deep love for Greg and admiration for his lifelong generosity, the foundation will honor his memory by continuing his philanthropic legacy. Through its support of charitable organizations and meaningful community causes, the foundation will carry forward Greg’s passion for helping others, ensuring that his spirit of generosity and compassion continues to touch lives for generations to come.
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