Robert Smith

SMITH, Robert John - Age 97, of Flint Township, passed away peacefully at home with his wife and daughter by his side, Wednesday, December 28, 2022.  A service will be held at 11:00 AM Friday, January 6, 2023 at Mayfair Bible Church, 5339 Pierson Road, Flushing.  Pastor Michael Breznau officiating.  Those desiring may make contributions to Mayfair Bible Church, Flint Christian Outreach or the Medical Team Hospice.

Robert was born August 12, 1925 in Clio, the son of Roy James and Isabel Harriett (Bennett) Smith.  He was a 1943 graduate of Montrose High School.  Robert met Barbara Mae Witt in 1949 when she moved in with the family of Rev. Waldo Martindale, pastor of the First Baptist Church in Flushing.  Robert and Barbara were married June 16, 1951, after Barbara's graduation.  They lived briefly with Robert's parents before moving to a small home on Elm Street in Flushing.  Robert was in the Naval Reserve for five years, then was employed by Buick Motor Division and General Motors Parts Division for 37 years.  He retired from middle management in 1979.  After retirement, he worked various jobs in Michigan and Delray Beach, FL, including driving vehicles for Patsy Lou dealership and as Pinkerton Security for Seimens Corporation in Florida.  Robert was on a steering committee with Robert Ziegler and Virgil Billow, organized to form Trinity Baptist Church which was built on Elms Road in Flushing.  He served on its first deacon board with Kenneth Woodthorpe.  Later, Robert joined Mayfair Bible Church on Pierson Road in Flint.  Robert was active in numerous roles at the church as usher and deacon.  He had resided in Flushing since 1947 wintering in Delray Beach, FL

Surviving are: his wife of 71 years, Barbara; children, Joyce (Rick) Wierzbicki of Flushing, David (Debie) Smith of Middleville and Timothy (Kelli) Smith of Hudson, IL; 7 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Roy, Bernard, William, Russell, and John Smith; sister, Ruth Wright.  Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.