Ronald Smeja

Ron Smeja, age 63, left this world far too soon, on August 31, 2017. Born in Flint in November 15, 1953, Ron was the youngest child of Alfred and Sarah Smeja. As a kid, he can be remembered as having a wild imagination-a trait that followed him well into adulthood-one time even digging "fox holes" in his aunt's garden at age nine. He graduated from Swartz Creek High School in 1971 and began his 45 year tenure with General Motors in 1972. There was a part of his life where he only ate salads, but for most of the rest of it, he would eat just about anything, preferring above all else, a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. He had a love for the Corvette, and owned several, in varying conditions, over the years. He enjoyed spending time on the water, and in 1979, started what would become an annual tradition that would continue for 25+ years, when he took a boating trip with his cousin, Greg Semple, and close friends. As the Michigan Whitewater Explorers, they boated many rivers in Michigan, preferring the Sturgeon, for its fast current. Ron was active in Boy Scouts Troop 302 in Flushing. He served as a Master Counselor in DeMolay International. As a father, Ron pleaded with his sons to participate in household chores, always reminding them of the long fought Battle for Daylight, the measure of time against which all tasks must be accomplished. He had a big, giving heart, one that brought you into it, whether you were a family member or an acquaintance. In his stories, he almost always made himself the heel of the joke, whatever it took to get everyone to join in his infectious laugh. He gave of himself, in his time, effort, support, etc., to anyone who needed it, even those unable to ask. He loved military history and architecture, but above all else, Ron loved his family. He seemed most happy when he was in the company of his children and grandchildren, whether it was a holiday, a family cookout, or even helping with a home improvement project. Ron was loved by his family, but nothing came close to the bond he shared with his grandchildren. To Simon, Samuel, Theodore, Myla and Fischer, he was, and will always be Smash Crash, Grandpa Sleepytime, Papa Ron. Ron is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Pamela Michitsch. He is survived by his wife, Gina, brother Jerry (Dorothy), sons Ronald Nathan (Julie), Ryan (Dawn), Colin, and daughter, Megan, and his five grandchildren, who were the absolute loves of his life. Funeral services will be held Friday, September 8, at 11am, at Sharp Funeral Homes, Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Road, Swartz Creek. Visitation will be Wednesday 5-8pm, Thursday 2-8pm, Friday 10-11am. Tributes may be shared on the obituaries page at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.

Visitation

Wednesday, September 6, 2017 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Sharp Funeral Homes - Miller Road Chapel
8138 Miller Road Swartz Creek 48473, United States

Visitation

Thursday, September 7, 2017 2:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Sharp Funeral Homes - Miller Road Chapel
8138 Miller Road Swartz Creek 48473, United States

Visitation

Friday, September 8, 2017 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Sharp Funeral Homes - Miller Road Chapel
8138 Miller Road Swartz Creek 48473, United States

Funeral Service

Friday, September 8, 2017 11:00 AM
Sharp Funeral Homes - Miller Road Chapel
8138 Miller Road Swartz Creek 48473, United States