Edward G. Smith Jr's Obituary
Mr. Edward Gerald Smith Jr, age 62, passed away peacefully on Saturday , January 21, 2023 with his family by his side following a hard fight with cancer. He was born on April 11, 1960 to Edward and Phyllis Smith in Muskegon. A lifelong resident of the area, Ed started working at American Coil Spring Co when he graduated high school. Later in his career he also worked for Davon Manufacturing, Mid-West Spring and Stamping, and Falcon Tool and Die. On August 7, 1982 he married the “Catch of his life,” Sandy Hayward in Muskegon and spent 40 wonderful years together. One of Ed’s passions in life was fishing. He could usually be found on the Muskegon River catching steelhead or over on Lake Erie in the summer fishing for walleye. Ed enjoyed sharing his love of fishing with others, often taking friends and family out with him in hopes of them catching a big one. He was also a handy mechanic. In his younger years, he loved to participate in demolition derbies. Winter derbies on the Lake were always a fun, family get-away. Ed loved spending time with his two daughters and five grandchildren. He will be remembered by his family as someone who was always willing to drop what he was doing to help out. Ed gave up many weekends and nights to work on cars or teach others how to fix it themselves. Ed’s generous heart and great sense of humor will be missed by his wife, Sandy; daughters, Lizz (Steve) Antekeier and Emily (Tony) Vo; grandchildren, Ethan, Skylar, and Jackson Antekeier and Kaleb and Chase Vo; and siblings, Michelle (Lee) Holt, Kathy Smith, Mariann Smith, and Mitch Smith (Shelley Glavich). A Memorial Service will be held 11:00AM Saturday, January 28 at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service, from 10:00AM to 11:00AM. Please feel free to share a memory online at www.sytsemafh.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Edward?
What’s a lesson you learned from Edward?
Share a story where Edward's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Edward you’ll never forget.
How did Edward make you smile?