Richard Denson Smith

Richard Denson Smith “Spoof,” 87, Grand Blanc and Caseville, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 5, 2018 at his daughter Kimberly Kelly’s home on Sand Point.  Dick was born March 28, 1931 in Bay Port to the late Denson and Viola (Schultz) on Harder Farm (across from Lee’s Landscaping).  He graduated from Pigeon High School in 1949 where he was a star athlete in track, baseball and football.  His best buddies in high school were Jack, Elmer and Herb.  Dick proudly served in the US Air Force.  He married Coy Barker Adams on February 7, 1958; she preceded him in death on May 17, 2006.

After his military service, he worked for General Motors for over 30 years.  After retiring he delivered nuclear medicine for Cardinal Health for 10 years.  He also helped his brother Vince and nephew Denny of the family farm, harvesting sugar beets in the fall for many years.

He is survived by his children Nancy Gutierrez of Burton, Kimberly (Mike) Kelly of Sand Point, and Richard Jr. “Rick” (Angie) of Caseville; step children (which he considered his own) William Adams of Swartz Creek, Daniel (Carol) Adams of Indian River, Linda Shaver of Birch Run and Christine (Michael) Blackford of Florida; grandchildren and step-grandchildren Tina, Nicole, Danielle, Jodi, Brittany, Quinn, Spencer, Kelsey and Hailey; 11 great-grandchildren and step great-grandchildren; sister Wilma D’Anna of Ferndale; sister-in-law Gloria Smith of Caseville; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his grandson Brenden; brothers Vince (Joyce) and Terry; and sisters Kay Adams, Diane Honaker and Sharon Hartz.

Funeral services will be 11:00am Saturday, June 9 ^th at the Champagne Funeral Chapel in Elkton with Rev. John Gunden officiating.  Burial with military honors will be in Caseville Township Cemetery.  Visitation will be 2-8pm Friday at the funeral home.

Dick’s family would like to thank Country Gardens for their care over the last three years.