Roger Raymond Smith

Roger Raymond Smith, 76, of White Cloud, passed away on April 13th, 2024, at his home after a 4-year battle with metastatic cancer. He was at peace his final days under hospice care with loving support from his family, friends, and brother Knights of Columbus. He was born on March 9, 1948, to Lithuanian immigrants Charles and Anna Smith of White Cloud, Michigan.

Roger is survived by his spouse of 54 years, Jean Smith (Douglas); his brother, Sidney (Linda) Smith of Coldspring, Texas; his children: Margaret (Joseph) Youngblood of Pinnacle, North Carolina, Raymond (Rebecca) Smith of Brighton, Michigan, Susan (Mark) Besteman of North Muskegon, Michigan, Brian (Hyatt) Smith of Ludington, Michigan; and 15 grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Anna; brothers Leonard Smith and Robert Smith.

Roger attended the University of Missouri under a football scholarship, graduating with a degree in elementary and special education. His football team was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame. He taught at White Cloud public schools for 37 years. He was very active in the community while serving numerous roles over the years, including Everett Township Supervisor, lead Hunter Safety Instructor, athletic coaching, and multiple school extracurricular activities. Most recently he was proud of his work with the Knights of Columbus supporting pro-life efforts, improving local parks, and enhancing community resources. He was also gifted with woodworking skills, operating a personal business named Authentic Cedar Products.

He enjoyed other hobbies such as golfing, fishing, buying/selling antiques, and traveling to Mackinac Island. His greatest enjoyment came from the simple things in life such as spending time with family and friends, working around the house, having a meal out or shopping with his wife. One of his final remarks to family was a desire to help others “be happy, healthy, and holy” and “surrounding yourself with love”.

Roger’s family invites you to attend a visitation on Sunday, April 21st at Crandell Funeral Home in White Cloud from 2 to 4 PM with a Rosary to follow.  Visitation also will be held on Monday, April 22 from 10 -10:45 am at the St, Joseph Catholic Church.  Funeral services will be held on April 22nd at 11 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church in White Cloud with burial in the St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery and luncheon to follow. Father Noah Thelen will be presiding pastor.

Those wishing to offer sympathy gifts are encouraged to support St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital in his remembrance. He wished to thank and offer God’s blessing to all those in the community who helped his family become what it has from its humble beginnings.

Arrangements by Crandell Funeral Home – White Cloud Chapel.  231-924-0800.

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