Merle B. Smith, Influential Chicago Hardwood Floor Distributor, Dies at 93

Merle B. Smith Jr., who founded and ran an influential Chicago-area hardwood flooring distribution company for decades, died June 12 in a “fluke accident.” He was 93.

Smith, also known as “Smitty,” launched Burr Ridge, Ill.-based Merle B. Smith Company in 1971, growing it into one of Chicago’s largest hardwood flooring distributors before retiring in 2014 and selling the company to E.J. Welch Company.

Smith was recognized with multiple “Distributor of the Year” awards during his tenure and helped launch numerous careers in the hardwood flooring industry. 

He was survived by four children, seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.