Birth date: Feb 24, 1916 Death date: Aug 12, 2005
Mr. William L. “Bill” Smith, age 89, died Friday morning, August 12, 2005. He was born February 24, 1916 in Johnstown, PA to Samuel and Ann (Hoerle) Smith and had been a resident of the Muskegon area for most of his life. Mr. Smit Read Obituary
A sturdy handshake, a great story of the past, a kissed forehead. I will miss my Grandpa Smith very much.##imported-begin##David Woods##imported-end##
Dear Smith family,
I and my family send our deepest sympathy. I can still see Bill and his sailboat out there on Big Blue. The way he loved his tigers win or not.
Most of all how he love having his family around and how he always made me feel apart of the family.
Jerry I am so glad that your dad accepted Jesus as his savior. I know how you prayed for that.
All our love and prayers are with you all.
The Stevens family.
Art, Robin, Karlyn, And Allen.##imported-begin##Art Stevens##imported-end##
We little knew that morning
that God was going to call your name.
In life we loved you dearly,
in death we do the same.
It broke our hearts to lose you,
you did not go alone;
for part of us went with you,
the day God called you home.
You left us peaceful memories,
your love is still our guide;
and though we cannot see you,
you are always at our side.
Our family chain is broken, and nothing seems the same;
but as God calls us one by one,
the Chain will link again.##imported-begin##The Broken Chain ##imported-end##
Summers at Big Blue Lake were always a wonderful time. We would wait with excitement and anticipation for our turn to go out on the sail boat with Grandpa. He must have spent all afternoon taking us out, two at a time to sail around Turtle Bay. "Coming about" he would say, and even at 3 and four years old, we knew what that meant. I thought my Grandpa was the greatest sailer in the world. He would point out the Boy Scout camp, and the park, and tell us many stories about the landmarks on the lake. I never got tired of hearing Grandpa talk about his experiences with sailing and the lake. I never remember him being in a hurry to take us back so that he could move on to other things. Whether it was getting out the canoe, sailing or fishing, it seemed that when we were at the lake, Grandpa's time belonged to us. I hope that I will be as good a grandparent as you are Grandpa! I love you!##imported-begin##Amy Spira##imported-end##
Next Wednesday, August 24th, Mom and Dad would have celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. They met on a "blind double date". Dad was Mom's friend's date and he had brought along a friend to be Mom's date...but, as he explained to me, once he met Mom, she became the only one for him. This love has lasted 65 years. Dad was a family man. He loved his wife and children and provided us with the best fun-filled childhood one could ask for. Thanks Dad. We love you and look forward to the day when we will see you again in Heaven.##imported-begin##Pat Woods##imported-end##
May you find peace in His promise of eternal life. And remember, your loved one is always as close as a memory. My deepest sympathy to each of you.##imported-begin##Karen Buttermore##imported-end##
Dear Kathy and the entire Smith family, I also have many wonderful memories of Maffett St and the beautiful cottage on Big Blue Lake. You treated us like family. The cottage memories come flooding back often, esp today. Thank you for your many kindnesses. Our sincere condolences in your time of sorrow. Barb & family##imported-begin##Barbara J. Dawes##imported-end##
With deepest sympathy.May the memory of your loved one comfort you and the sympathy of friends sustain you in this hour of sorrow.##imported-begin##Alice & Tony Mannarino##imported-end##
I am truly honored to be part of the family of Bill and Arlene Smith. My father in law has always made me feel welcome and let's me know that I am his daughter too.
I was blessed to spend these few weeks with Dad, singing the old Psalter Hymnal songs, reading passages from the Bible and reading Psalm 23rd.
I got to know Dad more in these few weeks sitting by his side and praying with him. I would ask Dad what would you like me to pray for? he would say my wife and children. He would hold my hand and we would together pray. His squeezing my hand tells me how much he listened and said..."Thank you God for my life"
My last song I sang to Dad was "Leaning on the everlasting Arms" (What a fellowship what a joy divine, leaning on the everlasting arms, what a blessedness, what a peace is mine, leaning on the everlasting arms. Leaning on Jesus, safe and secure from all alarms, leaning on Jesus leaning on the everlasting arms)
The words just touched my heart and I know he felt the same as I sang the words to him, He had a gentle smile and the next day he went home Leaning on Jesus safe and secure toward heaven.
Thank you Jan, Becky, Pat, Kathy, Jerry, Sue and Cindy for sharing your Dad with me. His love will endures forever in your heart. And Thank you Mom for your faithfulness and dedication you have shown to your loving husband.##imported-begin##Brenda J Smith##imported-end##
I am sadden to hear the news of your husband/father. Growing up at the lake,I always remember the smile on his face when he was working around the cottage or wearing his waders,with his flyrod in hand, heading for the lake.We will keep you in our prayers. Dave,Sue,Scott and Brad Devowe##imported-begin##Dave Devowe##imported-end##
