David Lee Smith

David Lee Smith, 89, of Cass City, passed away surrounded by his loving family on August 7, 2024 at his home. He was born to Charles and Mabel Smith on July 27, 1935 in Cass City and was the eldest of six children. At age eight, he became the “man of the house” when a factory accident took the life of his father.

David loved to work! As a young man, he worked for many farmers in the area, either hoeing beans, milking cows or driving tractors and trucks. David cut and packaged meat for a store in Caro in the late 1950’s, and worked for a lumber company for a short time. He helped build churches and houses with Smith Builders for several years. He owned and operated Caro Sand and Gravel in the 1970’s, sold Real Estate on the side, and owned and operated several fuel delivery trucks for Farmers Petroleum in Caro, until his retirement in 1997.

After his retirement, he drove semi for various farmers and, to his great delight, for his cousin Gary Smith. They traveled all over the country hauling various loads of copper wire and flower carts to many Wal-Mart Shopping Centers along the eastern United States.

Gospel quartet music always had a special place in his heart. For many years he sang bass with a weekend traveling gospel quartet called “Christ Ambassadors.” He loved the Lord and this was his quiet way of sharing His love with others. He was a long-time member of the Deford Community Church and was very involved in the music program. He also bowled on the Thursday Night Trio League at the Charmont, pitched for various fast-pitch softball teams, and golfed frequently for fun and relaxation with his sons, brothers, cousins and uncles. David loved caring for his garden and lawn at the George Road home for nearly forty years before Parkinson’s Disease caused him to scale back and move to the condo in Cass City until his time of death.

David leaves behind his loving wife, Rinda, of forty-four years. Their blended family consists of Daniel (Lynn) Smith and Timothy (Tammi) Smith and family of Caro, Peggy Smith and Deborah (Tim Babich) of Deford, Jarrett (Bethany) Gordon and family of Snover, Garrett (Tina) Gordon and family of Deford, Jennifer (Nick) Colwell and family of Lake Orion and Lindsay (Andy) DeGroat and family of Oxford; brother, Lowell (Dee) Smith of Midland; sisters, June (David) Harkless of Decatur, Indiana, Nancy (Paul) Harkless of Monroe, Indiana; sisters-in-law, Lois Smith of Rensselaer, Indiana, and Donna (Mark) Draher of Sandusky; brothers-in-law, Jerry (Bobbee) Rayl of Snover and Tim (Liz) Rayl of Charlevoix. Also, many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and Susan Smith, mother of Daniel, Timothy, Peggy and Deborah.

David is preceded in death by his parents, sister, Phyllis Smith; brother, Wayne Smith; grandson-in-law, Rich Bartolowits; father- and mother-in-law, Walt and Delia Rayl.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, August 12, 2024 at the Deford Community Church in Deford with visitation from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service at 3:00 p.m. Burial will follow at the Almer Township Cemetery in Caro, MI. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorial contributions to the Deford Community Church.