Gene Smith

Gene A. Smith of Grand Rapids, MI (formerly of Cedar Springs, MI) was born in Bryan, Ohio on June 3, 1935 to Carmen and Susan Smith. Raised in Butler, Indiana and a 1953 graduate of Butler High School, Gene furthered his education at General Motors Institute and throughout his career, worked in many different roles in the auto industry. He served in the US Army, stationed in Germany, from 1957-1959, where he and wife, Linda, developed many life long friendships.

Married on November 4, 1956 to Linda K. Phillips, they were parents to four children and were married for 65 years. Together they enjoyed travel, dancing, attending their children and grandchildren’s numerous events (sports, band, dance recitals etc.) and were active members in St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. Gene also enjoyed woodworking, anything related to cars and reading. Recently his writing skills flourished as he wrote his life stories in “Dash Yarns” and was working on a book set in WWII at the time of his passing.

He was preceded in death by his wife Linda and son Brian, as well as his parents and sister. Gene is survived by daughters Elaine (Richard) Vaughan, Renee (David) Mertz, son Brad (Amy) Smith and daughter-in-law, Karri Smith. Also surviving are seven grandchildren, Morgan (Trent) Jackson, Molly (Jake) Stevens, Randy Smith, Olivia (Brenden) Bogema, Ethan Smith, Kylie (John) Chrustowski and Megan Smith, as well as three great grandchildren and a fourth due in April 2025.

Gene passed away on October 10, 2024 with his children by his side. He was loved and respected by many, a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather to his family and a friend to all he met. He will be missed! Family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Cortland-Northview Assisted Living facility for their care during the final weeks of our dad’s life, as well as Hospice of Michigan for their compassion in his last days. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift in Gene’s name to Wounded Warrior Project, Hospice of Michigan or St. Paul’s United Methodist Church.

Celebration of life for Gene will be held at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church (3334 Breton Rd SE, Grand Rapids) on Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at noon. Visitation with the family will be held prior to the service at 11:00 AM. A luncheon will be held in the fellowship hall following the service. For those unable to attend the service, it will be live streamed (copy and paste this link into your browser) https://grstpaulsumc.org/live .