Passed away peacefully on May 27, 2023 at the Divine Nest in Williamston, MI, with family by his side. Bob was born December 6, 1926 in Wacousta, MI. He was raised in the Wacousta and Grand Ledge area on his family’s farm. He attended Grand Ledge High School.
Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Jean, and parents Ken and Jewel Smith.
He is survived by his daughters Nancy Smith (Rob Gaecke) of Jackson MI and Jennifer Smith of Middleville, MI; grandchildren Kyla Sisson of Minneapolis, MN, Ian Sisson (Kerry Lyons) of Astoria, OR, and Gaea Gaecke of Ann Arbor, MI; his sister Gail Clegg; and special friend and companion Joan Stone. Special nieces and nephews include Brenda Whitsitt and Bradley Clegg (Sandi), as well as Jack Ridley (Linda), Jim Ridley (Marion), and Christine Mitchell (Bob).
Bob graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering from Michigan State University. He served in the U.S. Army from 1950 to 1952 (Korean War).
Bob married Jean Ridley in 1953 in Windsor, Ontario. They began their married life in Royal Oak, MI then lived for many years in Okemos and Williamston, returning to Okemos until Jean’s death in 2000.
Bob began his career with Ford Tractor in Dearborn before moving to the Lansing area where he worked for many years for Motor Wheel Corporation. He traveled extensively while working in the sales department for Motor Wheel. After retirement, he continued working in the wheel/rim industry, both as a professional consultant and expert witness.
Bob and Jean spent their summer times at their cottage in Sauble Beach, Ontario Canada, where he enjoyed puttering and watching the sunsets. His last trip to his cottage with his kids was in 2019.
Those who got to know Bob quickly learned that he was a perfectionist with a dry sense of humor. His interests in his retirement years included traveling with his friend Joan to Gulf Shores, AL, St. Ignace, MI, and Sauble Beach. He enjoyed reading mystery novels and keeping up on his grandchildren's lives. He was a loyal Spartan basketball fan and enjoyed watching Tiger baseball.
Bob was an avid gardener even into his final years, maintaining a patio garden at his condominium in Okemos. He was especially proud of his robust crop of black raspberries.
The family would like to thank his caregiver of many years, Janette D’Ascenzo (Home Instead), the staff at the Divine Nest of Williamston, and Careline Hospice.
A private memorial service will be held July 15, 2023 at St. Katherine’s Episcopal Church, Williamston, MI.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.grlansing.com for the Smith family.
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