Paul Francis Blase

Paul Francis Blase, 68. of Goose Creek, South Carolina, passed away on Sunday, November 9, 2025. 

Born on December 12, 1956, in New York City, NY, he was the son of the late Grace Carney Blase and the late William Blase.

Smokey fought cancer for 10 years. He lived a life marked by loyalty, laughter and love, always on his own terms. A proud veteran, Smokey served in the US Army's 1st Infantry Division from 1974 - 1983, spending much of his service in Europe during the Cold War. He later became a respected commander of American Legion Post 1533 in Mastic Beach, NY, where his leadership and camaraderie left a lasting mark on his fellow veterans and the greater community. After moving to SC, he owned and operated Smokey's Place Sports Bar and Grill in North Charleston from 2009 - 2021, a place that reflected his spirit - welcoming, opinionated, and full of music, stories and laughter.

Smokey was also a passionate advocate for youth sports, founding the Goose Creek High School Hockey Team from 2005 - 2009. His love for the game reflected his larger approach to life - teach hard, play fair, and care deeply.

An avid traveller, and fluent German speaker, Smokey loved exploring the country to visit family and friends. He was a lifelong history buff, a proud college student later in life, and a classic rock loyalist, whose one-liners could make you roll your eyes or laugh until you cried. He believed in living fully, speaking honestly, and showing up when it mattered most.

Paul is preceded in death by his parents, and his siblings: Robert, William, George, Elizabeth, Joan, and Georgiana. 

Paul is survived by children and grandchildren: Paul Jr., Tyler, Timo, Samantha, Michael, Jack, and Lennon; and many nephews and nieces.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, November 13, 2025, from 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM at McAlister-Smith Funeral & Cremation in Goose Creek. A memorial service will be held at 8:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hockey for Life. 

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at mcalister-smith.com/. 

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral & Cremation, 869 St. James Avenue, Goose Creek, SC 29445, (843)553-1511.