Gregory Christopher Smith (60) was the first of 4 boys born to MaryAnn and Stephen Smith (both deceased) in Gary, Indiana sharing the birthday with his dad, November 8. Greg has been a caring big brother to Joseph of Portage, Andrew of Portage, and Eric of Kokomo. He passed in Kokomo, Indiana, on Eric's birthday October 27, 2024.  Greg is uncle to Joe's son Matthew and great uncle to Matt's and Colleen's daughters Hartly and Makyn. Greg is also uncle to Andy's son, Alek and great uncle to Alek and Clara's daughter, Everleigh; uncle to Andy's daughter Alexis and her husband, Aaron James; uncle to Andy's daughter, Brittni and great uncle to Brittni and Tom's children, Gracie, Bailey and Riley. Andy's significant other is Leah Fritz. Greg stood up as a groomsman for Eric at his wedding to June.  Greg is Godfather as well as uncle to Eric's and June's children Ethan and Glorianna. Greg stood up in longtime friends and caregiver Anita and Jim Peters wedding and is godfather to their children Carolyn, CJ, and Cameron. Uncle Greg never missed a birthday or Christmas opportunity to spoil these beautiful little people that enjoyed playing video games, fantasy leagues, and experiencing that sense of witty Smitty humor with him, now since all grown up.  Greg was a wonderful role model and representation of the faith for them too.  Greg was a devout Catholic and lifelong member of Nativity of Our Savior Parish in Portage, Indiana where he resided most of his life. Greg graduated Portage High School in 1981 where he began his journalism career and wrote for the high school paper, The Pow Wow, and participated in Pep Band, Concert Band, Marching Indians, Symphonic Band and Intramurals.  He attended Purdue University, West Lafayette and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication in 1985. Greg honed his writing skills through work and fun at the Purdue Exponent.  Greg participated in a fantasy baseball league for 41 years, which was one of the longest continually running leagues in the country. It dated back to 1984 when Greg started it while a student at Purdue. Greg and good friend Paul Siegfried were the only ones to stay with it all 41 seasons.  The staff of the Purdue Exponent they were on was perhaps the best ever, producing multiple Pulitzer Prizes and many other award-winning journalists.  In an era when newspapers are disappearing and many journalists are leaving the profession, Greg stayed in journalism for 40 years. He understood the news and what people wanted to read about. He was a talented writer and even better editor.  He dedicated his life to journalism and was committed to providing the public with the news and information. His Purdue Exponent friends, Paul, Betsy, David, Ellen, Carolyn, Tracy, Bob, and Valerie sustained a close-knit relationship for over 40 years. Greg remained a proud Purdue Boilermaker all his life. The Purdue Boilers did not lose the day Greg went to hospice care. After leaving Purdue West Lafayette, he enjoyed his early years of employment in Michigan City, splitting time between freelancing at the local paper and being a beach bum playing volleyball. He then worked for the Valparaiso Vidette with a bit more regularity. He managed, organized, and captained the paper's softball team, kept stats, and wrote the wildly popular and hilarious satire of the fun and games of the Times. Everyone will always remember Big Cat and "the other characters" on the teams immortalized forever. The team motto was "Our Team covers your Team."  He then became sports editor for the Hammond Times for decades working tirelessly with great commitment to put the paper to bed every night. Sports was his life, with a steadfast loyalty to White Sox, Cubbies, and Purdue Boilermakers to the end.  He enjoyed the many hours talking sports and stats at the paper, after the paper, through the many fantasy sports leagues that he organized and participated in, as well as holiday dinners with family and friends. Greg suffered heart failure in 2015.  After that he managed to still work and take care of his mom through her cancer. The last 5 years would see him battle infections and hospitalizations.  As his final position with the newspaper business he transitioned to page design, finally retiring September 24, 2024, when his last round of infections did not allow him to rise again. His last words were "I love you, thank you, I am sorry, I did my best." As good friend Shaun Kelly commented "All you can do, all any of us can do in this life, is our best. Thanks for reminding us of that, Smitty. Rest easy, my friend."

Greg, you have been our Lazarus Man. Boiler Up!

Memorial contributions in Greg's name may be made to Nativity of Our Savior Church.

If you feel inclined, please wear Greg's favorite team colors or your own favorite team colors to the viewing or service. Visitation will be held Sunday November 3, 2024, from 2:00 to 6:00 PM at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel, 5341 Central Avenue, Portage, Indiana. Mass of Christian Burial will take place Monday, November 4, 2024, at 10:00 AM with visitation from 9:30 until the time of service at Nativity of Our Savior Catholic Church, 2949 Willowcreek Road, Portage, Indiana. He will be laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery. All times are central standard times. For more information please call (219) 762-3013. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.reesfuneralhomes.com