Silverbacks Mourn Passing of Former Player
July 27, 2007 - Continental Indoor Football League (CIFL)
Dayton Silverbacks News Release
The Miami Valley Silverbacks were shocked to hear of the passing of former player Grady Smith II on July 20.
Reports out of Cleveland state that Smith was working on his car in the family's driveway when he was shot in the face four times. Indications are the murder is part of a new gang initiation in the Cleveland area.
"We were shocked and disappointed to hear the news," Miami Valley Silverbacks President Matthew King said. "His family is in our thoughts and prayers. "He was an awesome guy. He was the type that would do anything he could to help you."
Smith played defensive tackle for the Silverbacks in 2006 before returning to Cleveland where he was a cook at the Menorah Park Center for Senior Living in Beachwood.
The former Silverback had just celebrated his second wedding anniversary to wife Janeen and the couple was expecting their first child in February of 2008. In addition to his wife, Smith is survived by his parents Rev. Grady Smith and Rhondalyn Manuel along with three brothers and a host of family and friends.
"We will be thinking of him," King said. "He will be greatly missed by everyone whose life he touched. "Our sincerest condolences go out from the Silverback family to his."
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Continental Indoor Football League Stories from July 27, 2007
- Silverbacks Mourn Passing of Former Player - Dayton Silverbacks
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