Frank H. Smith's Obituary
Frank H. Smith, a family man of devout faith, joined the Lord and his beloved wife on Tuesday, Aug. 7, at the age of 87.
Frank’s life blended a devotion to family, a talented career and an intense love for the outdoors.
He was married to his wife, Gloria May, for 50 years, and together they raised a family in Hazel Park that grew from kids to grandkids to great-grandkids. Always a night owl, Frank enjoyed late-night ice cream trips, dinners at Big Boy or simply offering someone a “Dew” when they came to the house. During family gatherings, Frank could often be found filling the room with vivid stories of the past.
The soundtrack to Frank’s life was filled with musical inspiration. During his years of service in the Army from 1953 to 1955, he played tenor saxophone in the Army Band. He was enthusiastic about Big Band music and jazz.
Frank graduated from the University of Detroit and began a career in vehicle design in the 1950s. He was proud of his contributions which included leading teams designing American La France fire engines in New York State, Chevrolet Corvette bodies in the 1960s, and aerodynamic racing-style outside mirrors on Chrysler vehicles. During the automotive slow-down of the early 1970s, Frank switched careers and turned his successful work ethic to real estate, where he helped families find the perfect place to call home.
The woods and waters of Michigan were important to Frank. He spent many summers at his family’s cottage on Anchor Bay in Fair Haven. He also constructed a cabin in Fairview in northern Michigan, where friends and family have made memories for more than 50 years. His love of the outdoors has shaped the lives and careers of his family, who thank him for teaching them the appreciation of nature.
Through his adventures, Frank was a soft-spoken leader of his family and a man of intense faith. He joins his wife, Gloria, and son, Gary, with the Lord. Frank is survived by children Michael (Paola) Smith; Joseph (Darlene) Smith and Sandy (Mark) Sebastian; grandchildren Melissa; Chris (Becky); Daniel (Christine); Steven; Catie; Cody; Alaina; Wyatt and Abbey; great-grandchildren Anthony; Emily; Natalie; James and Thomas. Visitation is 3 to 9 p.m. Friday at Hopcroft Funeral Home, 31145 John R Rd, Madison Heights. Visitation continues Saturday at Frank’s church, St. Mary Magdalen, 50 E Annabelle Ave, Hazel Park at 10:30am with funeral mass immediately following at 11am.
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