Ohio tire dealer Teddy Smetzer dies at 71

May 7, 2015

Theodore “Teddy” Smetzer, founder of Smetz's Tire and Service Center of Ashland, Ohio, died May 2, 2015. He was 71.

Smetzer was in born in Ashland on Oct. 29, 1943, the son of James (Ted) Smetzer and Frances Hampshire. He was a life-long resident of Ashland. In addition to his wife Kathy Gray, he is survived by two children and their spouses, Wendy (Donnie) Beer of Ashland and Troy (Kim) Smetzer, also of Ashland; three step children, Michael (Kristen) Gray of Indiana, Amy (Chris) Jordan of Sullivan and Steven (Abby) Gray of Columbus; eight grandchildren, nine step grandchildren, one great grandchild, one step great grandchild and one sister.

He was a member of Wooster Grace Brethren Church and served his country in the United States Army. He also was a past president of the Ohio Tire Dealers and Retreaders Association.

Friends may visit with the family on Friday, May 8, 2015, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and from 5 p.m to 7 p.m. at Heyl Funeral Home. A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2015, at 11 a.m. at Wooster Grace Brethren Church, 4599 Burbank Rd., Wooster, with a visitation period one hour prior to the time of service. A private burial will be held at a later date.

The family suggests that donations in Smetzer’s name be left with the following organizations: Hospice of North Central Ohio, 1050 Dauch Dr., Ashland Ohio 44805; Ashland County Cancer Association, 380 E. 4th St., Ashland, Ohio 44805, or the Theodore S. and Kathy Smith Smetzer Scholarship Fund through the Ashland Community Foundation, 300 College Ave., Ashland Ohio 44805.

More information can be found at www.heylfuneralhome.com