Merle Muse Smith

Merle Muse Smith passed away on February 6, 2021 at the age of 90, in Hollywood, Florida.

Merle grew up in Pahokee, Florida, where he had to overcome a big challenge in his early teens. He was diagnosed with Polio which affected the growth of his right arm. His mother took him to Warm Springs, where he spent months healing and adapting to this condition.  He over came the hurdle of being right handed and had to start his ‘abc’s’ yet again with his left hand. It was shortly after that his parents moved to Fort Lauderdale, to give him a fresh start. Having polio was definitely a challenge, but Merle looked forward to the fresh start and attended Fort Lauderdale High School.  He had a love for music and decided to join the band and learned how to play the trombone.  He also had quite the singing voice and joined a quartet as well.  After graduation he decided that he would try the college thing and was accepted into Georgia Tech.  Although he was challenged academically, he remained optimistic and joined a fraternity and a Barber Shop Quartet.

One of his proudest achievements was marrying the love of his life, Jane A Smith.  He swept her off her feet and they were married the day after Christmas in 1953.  Although he met her in New York, they both decided to relocate to sunny Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Merle decided, with Jane’s support, that he would try his hand at building homes thus, creating Merle Smith Luxury Homes.  He truly had an incredible gift and talent building one of a kind, turn-key homes.  He was inventive beyond his years and his craftmanship was seen throughout his 50 year career.

Merle was a well rounded man who had a love for movies, he was an avid reader, loved to travel, enjoyed all genres of music and had a passion for exercise – biking in particular.  He could be seen 5 days a week taking his 30 mile ride all throughout the streets of Fort Lauderdale.  He actually grew to love biking so much, he entered several bike races – being one of the oldest bike riders, but finishing ‘first in his class’.  Merle also had a love for fashion always looking dapper in his sport coat and bright button down Polo’s.  You could spot Merle out in a crowd – one of his signature pieces was his beige Panama Jack straw sun hat.  Although initially worn to protect his skin from the hot Florida sun, they soon became a Merle Smith signature item and fashion statement! 

Merle could light up a room with his charismatic personality and contagious laugh. He and his wife threw many memorable parties – which included live entertainment, dress themes, birthday’s and anniversary’s which will be remembered for years to come.  He was loved by many – young and old, was a loyal friend, a wonderful dad and (Papa) and a loving husband. 

He is survived by Darrel G Smith and daughter in law Tracey Smith, Pamela J Piersol and son in law Scott Piersol, and Nancy E Blackmore, 9 Grand Children and 5 Great Grand Children. 

A memorial service will be held at the funeral home, and the date will be annpinced in the near future.

In lieu of flowers the family is asking for donations in his memory to Sheridan House Family Ministries.  www.sheridanhouse.org

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Visitation will be held  Tuesday, March 16, 2021, 3:00 PM -5:00 PM at the funeral home 

A Memorial Service will be held at  Tuesday, March 16, 2021, 4:00 PM 

Memorial Service Live Stream Link  

Alternate Streaming Link 

Arrangements by T.M. Ralph  Funeral Home 371 NW 136 Avenue Sunrise, FL 33325. www.tmralph.com 954-587-6888