Soxy Posted July 6, 2005 Share Posted July 6, 2005 Steelers fan presented in natural state Body of Steelers Fan Viewed in Recliner By Associated Press Published July 6, 2005, 12:44 PM CDT PITTSBURGH -- James Henry Smith was a zealous Pittsburgh Steelers fan in life, and even death could not keep him from his favorite spot: in a recliner, in front of a TV showing his beloved team in action. Smith, 55, of Pittsburgh, died of prostate cancer Thursday. Because his death wasn't unexpected, his family was able to plan for an unusual viewing Tuesday night. The Samuel E. Coston Funeral Home erected a small stage in a viewing room, and arranged furniture on it much as it was in Smith's home on game day Sundays. Smith's body was on the recliner, his feet crossed and a remote in his hand. He wore black and gold silk pajamas, slippers and a robe. A pack of cigarettes and a beer were at his side, while a high-definition TV played a continuous loop of Steelers highlights. "I couldn't stop crying after looking at the Steeler blanket in his lap," said his sister, MaryAnn Nails, 58. "He loved football and nobody did (anything) until the game went off. It was just like he was at home." Longtime friend Mary Jones called the viewing "a celebration." "I saw it and I couldn't even cry," she said. "People will see him the way he was." Smith's burial plans were more traditional -- he'll be laid to rest in a casket. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heads22 Posted July 6, 2005 Share Posted July 6, 2005 Mrs. SS2k better keep this in mind.... "Here is Southsider, in his natural state, surfing Soxtalk. ..." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stocking Posted July 6, 2005 Share Posted July 6, 2005 my grandmother buried my grandfather with an oldstyle (yes he was a cub fan) and a pack of smokes. "thats all he ever wanted" she said. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Queen Prawn Posted July 6, 2005 Share Posted July 6, 2005 QUOTE(Stocking @ Jul 6, 2005 -> 03:36 PM) my grandmother buried my grandfather with an oldstyle (yes he was a cub fan) and a pack of smokes. "thats all he ever wanted" she said. We buried my grampa with a pack of smokes, a fishing reel and there was something else I can't remember (probably something related to either the American Legion or Polish Legion). My dad wanted to send him off with a can of beer, but my gramma would have hit the ceiling. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tonyho7476 Posted July 6, 2005 Share Posted July 6, 2005 I think this is a little creepy...I think they could have just put things in his casket...steelers blanket, etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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