Francis Moses Smith

Francis M. Smith, age 73 of Warren, died Monday, January 2, 2012 at St. John Macomb-Oakland Hospital, Macomb Center in Warren. He was born on January 23, 1938 in Ransom, Kentucky, son of the late Stewart and the late Edna (nee: Hatfield) Smith.Francis was a man who possessed immense skills and talents, and put many of them to work in his life's career as a Die Maker. With an entrepreneurial spirit and the desire to enjoy the freedoms of creating his own schedule, he entered the realm of self-employment early in his career. Together, with his brother Billy, they co-founded 'B & M Die Company & Advance Die Cutting,' a business they maintained for over 40 years in the city of Warren. When he wasn't working, Francis enjoyed a varied array of pastimes and hobbies that provided a welcomed diversion from the hard work that always poured out of him. Like many Michigan men, he had a love for the outdoors, which often took its form in his love for both hunting and fishing. Many times, these sought after getaways were best enjoyed when spent with his family and friends up north. And perhaps the fondest and most profound memory his loved ones will remember from those Up North moments was his penchant for 'mowing the pines.' He was truly a 'man and his machine' taking care of business, a task that was as equally fun as it was work. Like many die makers, their skills and creativity are not necessarily centered in their work, but often are realized in other aspects of life. And such was the case with Francis through his hobby of quilting. With the design expertise inherent to his work, he utilized some of his creativity in designing molds to enhance the whole quilting experience. And his knowledge extended to many other crafting projects as well. Another example of this was found through his incredible gift of wood carving. With the precision and attention to detail he possessed, Francis was renowned for producing some of the finest wood carved pieces of art anyone has ever seen. He simply loved keeping busy and sharing the better part of his talents both at work and at home. But without a doubt, his favorite pastime was enjoyed through the sport of horseshoe pitching,'a game he shared with his beloved, Christine. And he didn't simply enjoy the sport, but was extremely proficient at it as well. After years of mastering his technique, he was proud of his membership and induction into the Michigan Horseshoe Pitching Hall of Fame.Francis was a loving husband, a wonderful father, and a devoted uncle to many nieces and nephews. His memory will long live on through the legacy of love he leaves behind in all of the hearts and lives that were blessed to know him. He will be missed immensely and loved eternally. He was the beloved husband of Christine (nee: Thompson). Loving father of Greg (Sheila) Smith and Kevin Smith. Dear brother of Bruce (Jeanne) Smith and Bunia Gaye Short.Visitation for Francis will be held on Wednesday, January 4th from 3-9pm at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 ' Mile Rd) in Warren. On Thursday, he will make the journey home to his birth state of Kentucky where additional visitation will be held on Friday, January 6th from 5-10pm at the R.E. Rogers Funeral Home, 25062 US Hwy 119 in Belfry, Kentucky. His committal service and burial will take place on Saturday, 11:00am at the Alley Cemetery in Ransom, Kentucky.Please share memories of Francis at his guest book.