Obituary
Sherman Richard Smith passed away on Saturday, June 25, 2022 in Titusville, Florida.
Sherman was born in Phoenix, Arizona but spent most his life in Southeastern Michigan. He graduated from Lincoln High School in Ypsilanti, Michigan and received his Associate’s Degree in Automotive Technology from Washtenaw Community College while working full time and supporting his growing family. He retired from Ford Motor Company, Rawsonville Plant. Soon after his retirement he moved to Titusville, Florida in 2009.
He lost his father at age 3, so it was important to him to provide for his 4 children, making sure they did not have to live through his hardships.
He made sure all his children had opportunities to play sports (softball, baseball, bowling, football, etc.). When possible, he would take part by coaching, officiating, working the football chain gang and concessions stands, not just being the driver to events.
He was a devoted University of Michigan Fan and would routinely go to the football games with his children and anyone else who wanted to go. He was proud of his custom painted Michigan Wolverine winged helmet van, and honking Michigan fight song as he approached tailgating parking lot. He met Coach Bo Schembechler at the car dealership when he purchased the van and was given a signed football by the team because of the Michigan helmet van.
He enjoyed bowling and he was proud of his 700 series and “11 strikes in a row” bowling plaque he received. He also enjoyed playing softball and would say “I am the best Pitcher on the field!”
He was quiet man of few words, he was a generous soul, always taking in stray cats (family members) to live in his house rent free including in-laws, sisters, brother, and the friends of his children. They were family to him. He loved reading, music, potato chips, Pepsi, and Native American culture. He was the first person to have the KISS live album and it would be not unusual to have a group of neighborhood kids at the house listening to his records.
After retiring, he enjoyed opportunities to watch his grand kids playing sports just like his children did. He drove to North Carolina to watch his grandson play football and would drive to Panama City to watch his grandson bowl.
He traveled to New Zealand to stay for a while with Christian and daughter-in-law Suzanne, and together they explored Christchurch as happy, curious tourists. He loved Florida. When possible, he would attend Michigan bowl games when they were in Florida. He enjoyed going to Orlando to watch Detroit Tiger’s training camp games and driving to Tampa to see the Detroit Red Wing games. He enjoyed Universal Studios, campfires at his friend’s house, Orlando Dinner Shows, and ordering Gator bites at the local bar. He had a great sense of humor and when his leg was amputated, he said “I am going to get hired by Disney and be a real one-legged pirate.”
He was loved and will be terribly missed by all. Sherman leaves behind two daughters Tami Whitehead of Raleigh, North Carolina, Denise Wurster of Michigan Center, and two sons Chris and daughter-in-law Suzanne Smith of Orlando, Florida, and Jason Smith of Calloway, Florida. He had seven grandchildren: Tyler and Terry Whitehead, Jamie, Rebecca, and Zachary Wurster, Alexander and Abigail Smith. Sherman also leaves behind his sister and brother-in-law, Susan and Mark Loyacano of Vero Beach, Florida, brothers Mike Smith, of Titusville, Florida and Perry Smith, sisters Jayne Smith, and Karen Garlough of Michigan.
Sherman will be laid to rest at around 11:30 a.m. on July 20th, 2022 at the family plot on Sheldon Cemetery, Canton, Michigan followed by a celebration of Sheman’s life at The Eagles Hall, 9961 Beck Road, Belleville, Michigan starting at 1:30 p.m. on July 20th, 2022.
Service
2400 S. Washington Avenue
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