November 04, 1935 - March 28, 2017
Smitty was born on November 4, 1935, to Verne A. Smith and Bernice Smith, and passed away March 28, 2017, in Spokane, WA. He was raised in Detroit, Michigan. At the age of 17 he enlisted in the Navy, starting a 20 year career that took him to Florida, where he met his wife Arlyne. Through the years they were stationed in Maryland, California, South Carolina, Ohio, Naples Italy and then retiring back in South Carolina. The family moved to Spokane in 1972 after his retirement. Smitty was an active member at Calvary Lutheran Church, Deer Park/Zion Lutheran Church and St. Marks Lutheran Church where he loved singing in the choirs and helping with Vacation Bible School. He has always been a carver and found carving and miniature clubs in Spokane and Yuma, where he could share his skill and talents with others. Since his retirement he was always interested in Navy related service groups and joined the Navy Fleet Reserve in both Yuma and Spokane. Smitty was also an active member of SubVets, participating in parades and service projects around the area. Smitty is survived by daughters, Vicki (Chuck) Foreman, Kearney, MO, Sandy (Tom) Norman, San Jose, CA; son, Kevin (Susan) Smith, Medical Lake, WA; sisters, Amy Brown, Susie Odena, Linda Popovic, and Laura Elliot; granddaughters, Sarah (Matt) Ireland, Melissa (Carlton) Gillespie, and Rebecca Norman; grandsons, Matthew (Jessica) Holmes, Andrew (Kelsey) Smith, and Bryan Smith; great-granddaughters, Greta Holmes, and Harper Smith; and great-grandsons, Sebastian Emerson, Brock Ireland, and Milo Holmes (arriving soon). He was preceded in death by Arlyne M. Smith. He touched a lot of lives and will be greatly missed by family and friends. Services will be held on Saturday, June 17, 2017, at 2:00 PM, at St. Marks Lutheran Church, 316 E. 24th Ave, Spokane, WA. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to your favorite charitable organizations. Dad would always tell us Love You More whenever we finished a conversation so we would love it if you could include that in your message with your contribution. Community Cremation & Funeral Spokane Valley - 13127 E. Sprague Ave, Spokane Valley, WA 99216, (509)926-2020 - Communitycremationandfuneral.com
