Lafayette Dante "Big Tae" Smith

Lafayette Dante "Big Tae" Smith, 47, passed away Tuesday, March 24, 2020. He was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on November 13, 1972 to Brenda Smith and Lafayette Blassingame, Jr. He confessed Christ at an early age and was baptized. In his youth Lafayette attended El Bethel Baptist Church and later found his church home at Inspiration Baptist Church. Dante was a spiritual man, worshipped and trusted God to guide his path. His formal education was in the Cincinnati Public Schools initially attending Walnut Hills High School and subsequently graduating from Forest Park High School in 1990. Dante was a standout on the football field and a formidable foe adorning number “51”. He often received accolades for being one of the best linebackers who ever played the game. His tenacity resulted in him being named Captain of Defense during the entire tenure of his high school years. Dante later attended Iowa College, majoring in Business. His athletic prowess garnered him the position of Captain of Defense on his college team, as well. Both Dante and his stepfather were avid sports fans and when Dante showed interest in both football and taekwondo, his stepfather helped him cultivate his crafts and master the intricacies until he perfected them. Dante’s diligence resulted in him playing youth football from age seven until high school and earned him a black belt in taekwondo. His stepfather and mother never missed a game or match and were always by his side to spiritedly cheer him on. He worked as a Security Consultant for many years at clubs and large events. This role suited him well, as he was very extraverted and personable, and it enabled him to interact with people from all walks of life. Dante was the father of six children, namely Austin Foster, Davonte Smith, Jalen Smith, Mia Jones, Tanasia Daniels, and Cameron Smith. Dante was grandfather to two grandchildren, Ky’aire Smith, whom he fondly called “Winnie the Roo”, and Eleah Smith. He doted on his children, was an excellent father and grandfather. One of his proudest moments was the birth of his grandchildren and he was proud to be called “papa”. He was affectionately called ‘’Big Tae” and was both intelligent and courageous. The gift of laughter was embedded in him, and humor was one of his strongest traits. Dante was a prolific storyteller, intricately weaving the fabric of events until cataclysmic laughter erupted like a volcano from everyone within earshot. Dante was extremely popular, people were absolutely drawn to and mesmerized by him. He was fondly dubbed the “Mayor of College Hill” and he absolutely held court when friends visited him. Dante was a well-coiffed man and he had a forward, cutting edge sense of fashion. Some of his staples were tailored suits, alligator shoes and Cartier glasses. Even in casual wear, he was always impeccably dressed. One of his most coveted roles was being a big brother to his younger sibling, Stephon. Given Step was ten years his junior, Dante was delirious when he was born and took the role of protector seriously as he loved him dearly. Dante was a zealous “Pittsburgh Steelers” fan and followed them with an unrequited passion. Pittsburgh Steelers were his mantra and he would adorn his jerseys, hats, shoes, and terrible towels and taunting fans from the other teams relentlessly. It was absolutely one of his favorite things. One of Dante’s most endearing qualities was his kind heart. He coached youth football teams for many years. He sponsored the entire team for multiple years, paying registration fees, purchasing equipment, and transporting them to and from practices and games. As Head Coach of the Little Aiken Falcons he won the super bowl in 2018. Dante had a passion for mentoring children and oftentimes gravitated towards troubled youth, youth from single parent households and those who were less fortunate. He instilled the importance of integrity, getting excellent grades and performing to the highest potential within them. There wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for them: oftentimes purchasing clothing, shoes and providing allowances. Dante was equally empathetic to women who were single parents and heads of household and oftentimes paid utilities for them and gave them money for groceries. Dante had an indomitable spirit, zest for life and lived his life courageously and to the fullest. He leaves to cherish his memory: his beloved mother, Brenda McCullom; father, Lafayette (Pam) Blassingame, Jr.; sons, Austin Foster, Davonte Smith, Jalen Smith and Cameron Smith; daughters, Mia Jones and Tanasia Daniels; grandson, Ky’aire Smith; granddaughter, Eleah Smith; brother, Stephon McCullom; stepbrothers, David Gray and Brian Dozier; sister, Brandee Foster-Martin; stepsister, Kali Gray; great-aunts, Ruby Keels and Essie Towns; aunts, Karen Hearn, Peggy Lundy, Linda Laney and Carolyn George; nieces, Sariah Royles, Kaniah Royles and Leshanti Martin; nephews, Caleb McCullom, Brandon Moore, Landon Martin and Stephon Royles-McCullom; and a host of other relatives and friends. Dante was preceded in death by his great-great-grandparents; Irvin (Hannah) Garland; great-grandparents, Will (Annie) Keels and Frances Smith; grandparents, Charles (Annie) Webb and Lafayette (Mary) Blassingame; great-uncles, Willie (Vicki) Keels, James Keels, Herman Keels and Willard Keels; great-aunt, Margaret Keels; aunts, Joyce Smith and Yvonne Gaines; uncles, Joseph Laney and Ronald Blassingame; and cousins, Ebony Smith, Dejenai Carter and Cortez Blassingame. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 11, 2020 at Word of Deliverance Ministries for the World, Inc., 693 Fresno Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45240. Interment: Spring Grove Cemetery. NOTE: Due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the Ohio Governor and our city officials have set guidelines and procedures to follow during public gatherings of funeral services. These restrictions have been arranged with the family. Please allow the family to have their private time during the services being held at 12:00 p.m. A larger gathering may be held at a future date (to be announced) at the discretion of the family. Arrangements entrusted to the care of KINLEY Funeral Home.