Donald Wayne Smith

Don Smith entered Heaven's Gate on Christmas Eve morning, December 24, 2017 surrounded by his loving family at the age of 80. He fought a long hard battle with cancer. He is lovingly remembered by his beloved wife of more than 56 years, Judith; six treasured daughters, Dr. Debra (David) Kontny, Terri (Michael) Suraco, Kris Shipley, Kim (Tony) Duffiney, Nicole (Phil) Bogard and Renee Smith. Also surviving are ten amazing grandchildren, Rachel, John, Jesse, Hannah, Peyton, Paige, Tanner, Brynn, Sage, and Sara; his brother, Jerry (Sandra) Smith, and sister, Marie (Jim) Horaney.

Don was born at the family farm to Frank E. Smith and Dorothy M. (Reitz) Smith on June 10, 1937. He graduated from Williamston High School and received an Engineering Degree from Michigan State University. Don was active in the ROTC and then served his country in the U.S. Army and Army Reserves for a total of 8 years. When Don returned stateside he continued working as a mechanical engineer at Bendix Corp. in Southwest Michigan. He then returned to Williamston so he would be able to spend more time with his growing family and joined the family business, F.E. Smith Insurance Agency, with his father and brother.

Don was a lifetime member, 3rd Degree Knight, Knights of Columbus, McCormick Council, at St. Mary's Church. He was also a life member of the Williamston Lions Club, serving several terms as Club President where he put in countless hours volunteering and fundraising. Don enjoyed spending his summers at the lake with Judy, family members and friends. He could be found salmon fishing with his brother and dear friend Marv on Lake Michigan and hunting the hills by Marilla with his nephews. Being a mechanical engineer, Don had an uncanny ability to fix just about anything and everything.

In keeping with Don's wishes, cremation has taken place and a Memorial Visitation to celebrate his Life will be held on Friday, April 20 from both 2-4 and 6-8 pm at St. Mary Catholic Church, 157 High St. in Williamston, Michigan. A Memorial Mass on Saturday, April 21, 2018 will begin at 11 am, also at the Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Don may be directed to Leader Dogs for the Blind and Deaf, c/o Williamston Lions Club, 330 Mill St., Williamston, MI 48895.

Arrangements under the direction of Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, Williamston, MI.