Editor's note: This article corrects that Murray Howe is a radiologist at ProMedica Toledo Hospital.

MONROE — His deep, rich voice was projected Friday morning through the lobby of Monroe County Community College’s La-Z-Boy Center.

Through the power of AM radio, Paul W. Smith’s words were heard all over Michigan and into Ohio and southern Ontario on WJR. For Mr. Smith, there was extra meaning in bringing his show back, for one day, to where he grew up and started his secondary education.

“I’ve taken Monroe with me wherever I’ve gone,” he said.

His career took him to Toledo, where he had morning radio and television shows for several years while he studied at the University of Michigan.

Then for five years he found full-time radio work in New York. But he also came home to Michigan to work weekends at WJR in Detroit, leaving him without a day off. Even when he moved on to Philadelphia for six years, he still did some WJR shows via satellite link.

But wherever he went, he still spoke of where he grew up — where his parents, actors Marie and William D. Smith, led and reunited the Monroe Community Players.

“He takes a lot of pride in Monroe,” said his wife, Kim Smith. “Family is still here. It is nice to be so beloved.”

Mr. Smith got his start at age 15 when a new local station, WVMO — now known as Nash FM — took him from making Monroe Catholic Central High School’s announcements to calling basketball games. He quickly received his own morning show.

MCCC gave him the opportunity to keep honing his profession in Monroe while getting an affordable education. After graduating from MCCC  he got his bachelor’s degree  from the University of Michigan in 1975.

Now he enjoys giving back by taking his show to MCCC once a year. Last year he was the college’s commencement speaker too.

“It’s great to have alumni back and prominent alumni,” said Kojo Quartey, MCCC’s president. “It helps students here know they too can achieve their dreams, and when you do, come give back.”

During his show Friday, Mr. Smith interviewed Kurt Darrow, La-Z-Boy’s chief executive officer, about that company’s efforts to keep its headquarters in Monroe. Mr. Quartey spoke with him about MCCC’s financial struggles, and Murray Howe, radiologist at ProMedica Toledo Hospital, also joined the show.

During his career Mr. Smith has interviewed every president since Gerald Ford. But his family takes pride in the impact he can have on listeners.

“You hear stories from listeners for years, some who have a blind dad who all he does is radio, and you hear about the impact he has to brighten days,” Mrs. Smith said.

Contact Matt Thompson at: mthompson@theblade.com, 419-356-8786, or on Twitter at @mthompson25.

First Published May 18, 2015, 4:00 a.m.