Jack Smith

Jack Wayne Smith, age 87, of Gowen, passed away Monday, August 15, 2011, at Spectrum Health-United Hospital in Greenville. The son of Carl Wayne & Hazel L (Bunker) Smith, he was born on December 7, 1923 in Grayling. In the 1930s the Smith family came to Greenville where Jack attended school until enlisting in the U.S. Navy. After World War II, Jack returned to Greenville and spent most of his career working as an automobile mechanic at a number of the old Greenville car dealerships. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Donald Smith, who was killed in action in World War II; and a sister, Margaret Cameron. Surviving are his children, Larry Smith of Selma, Oregon, Donald W. Smith of Stanton, Denise Baker of Greenville, Diana Smith of Smyrna, and Julie Rood of Greenville; a sister, Betty Houle of Greenville; eleven grandchildren; several great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and his good friend and neighbor, Danny Nolf. Graveside committal services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 19, 2011 at Forest Home Cemetery, Greenville. The Rev. Jerry Jones, pastor of the First Congregational Church, will officiate and military honors, rendered by the United States Navy, will conclude the ceremonies. Arrangements were entrusted to the Christiansen Funeral Home & Cremation Center, honored providers of Veterans Funeral Care. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Jack Smith, please visit our flower store.