Vernon V. Smith's Obituary
Vernon Vernell "Butch" "Smitty" Smith, born on March 14, 1946, peacefully passed away at his home on April 11, 2024. Butch was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Rose Mary Smith, and together they shared nearly 60 years of cherished memories. They raised their daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, forming a close-knit family that was the foundation of his life.
Butch was a true testament to selflessness and generosity, always ready to offer a helping hand or a word of encouragement to anyone in need. He cherished his loved ones deeply, and his legacy is one of love, kindness, and boundless compassion. He often said, "No one makes it alone," he lived by this motto, ensuring that family, friends, and everyone in between knew they were never alone.
Throughout his life, Butch had many hobbies, but his passion for preserving history stood out the most. He spent decades collecting, clipping, and organizing newspaper articles, ads, and comics dating back to the 1950s. In his younger years, he also enjoyed collecting coins, antique signs, car memorabilia and assembling model car kits with his grandchildren. In his younger years he found joy in traveling, roller skating, dancing, and had a deep love for music throughout his life.
For nearly 36 years, Butch devoted himself to his work at Alcoa Automotive Castings, pouring molten aluminum. He was a diligent man who thrived on keeping busy, with a work hard play hard mentality; even after his retirement, he enjoyed scraping metal to earn fun money for him and Rosie to enjoy their many casino trips and adventures.
Butch was a beacon of resilience, overcoming every obstacle life threw his way with unwavering determination. His storytelling was his most remarkable gift; with each tale, he effortlessly transported listeners into his world, offering lessons in resilience, love, and the indomitable human spirit.
Let us remember the light that Butch brought into the world and celebrate the beautiful network of family and friends he created. His memory will forever be a blessing to all who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.
He is survived by his loving wife, Rose Mary Smith; daughters Dawn (Jeffrey) Lundy and Holly (Roger) Felde; grandchildren Michelle Holt, Rachel (Tom) Brown, Samantha Bolthouse, Ashley (Jon) Clemons, Katie (Tyler) Bersonnet, William (Christina) Clemons; and great-grandchildren Jamie, Riley, Charlie, Brody, Alexander, Otylia, Kevin, Adrianna, Oliver, Dana, Kylin and Tristan. Also left to cherish his memory are his two brothers, Carl (Sharon) Smith and Byron (Patricia) Smith, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends who became family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Agnes and Carl Smith, and great nephew Christopher Smith.
A celebration of life will be held on May 4th, 2024, at Whitlow's Forerunner located at 4610 Airline Rd, Muskegon, MI 49444, from 1 PM to 5 PM, where we will come together to honor and remember the remarkable life of Butch. Arrangements by the VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 620 Washington, Grand Haven, MI 49417.
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