Craig G. Smith

Craig Smith, age 39 of Columbus, Ohio died at home on March 5, 2020. He is survived by his wife, Ali Condron Smith of Columbus and his parents Tom and Reva Smith of Murrells Inlet, South Carolina; his sister Michelle, her husband Randy Hann and niece Amanda, also of Murrells Inlet; his in laws Jim and Dulce Condron and brother-in-law Sean all of Columbus. Surviving aunts and uncles include Sally Smith of Murrells Inlet, Tami Niederkohr, Bob and Elaine Niederkohr and Larry and Patty Niederkohr, all of Upper Sandusky and Mark and Margie Niederkohr of Dayton plus his special Niederkohr cousins. Craig graduated from Dublin Scioto High School in 1999. He played on multiple sports teams including basketball, golf and lacrosse. He was a distinguished McNair Scholar and graduate of the University of South Carolina, earning degrees in Business and Sports Management. He was also a member of the club lacrosse team at USC. He first worked for the Tampa Bay Lightning of the NHL. While working for them in 2004, the Lightning won the coveted Stanley Cup. Craig then returned home to work for the Columbus Blue Jackets. Smitty, as he was known, was a Blue Jacket through and through. During his 14 years with the organization he worked with many business people in the Columbus area as a Corporate Account Executive and finally as Director of Corporate Sponsorships. He was the recipient of the inaugural Golden Rule Award presented by the Blue Jackets organization. His coworkers and business partners knew him as a friend not just a person to do business with. For the past year he has been Vice President of Marketing for Papa Johns Columbus. While working there he continued his efforts to raise funds for cancer research by helping to organize and run the Papa Johns Charity Challenge golf event, which benefits the Buckeye Cruise for Cancer. Craig was an avid golfer and loved the challenge of playing many of Central Ohio's toughest golf courses, as well as others throughout the country. He was also loyal to the Detroit Tigers and Lions and that Team Up North, and of course his beloved Gamecocks! His favorite thing to do was be with friends and family around his backyard pool or watching any sporting event. Craig's other most cherished moments were spent with Ali and their two Frenchies, Rosie and Vinny. Craig fought valiantly against cancer for 4 years with courage, inner strength and a sense of concern for all who cared about him. The family would like to extend our sincere gratitude and thanks to the staffs at The James Cancer hospital, the Mayo Clinic, and Ohio Health, including hospice, for their dedicated care and support. The family will receive friends Sunday March 8 from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM at the Rutherford-Corbin Funeral Home at 515 High St. Worthington, Ohio. A prayer service will be held there at 7:30 Sunday evening. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, March 10, at 10 AM, at Immaculate Conception Church at 414 E North Broadway St. Columbus, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Craig's name to the Papa John's Charity Challenge at this link http://papajohnscharitychallenge.com/donate/

Craig G. Smith

February 12, 1981 - March 5, 2020