John Smith's Obituary
John Thomas Smith, age 80, a resident of Hazel Park for 54 years, died at home on Saturday, July 25, 2009 after battling cancer for several months.
He was born August 22, 1928 in Benton, KY to the late J. Alfred and Cosie. On July 3, 1953 he married Emma Christine Baker in Redford Twp, MI.
Mr. Smith worked as a truck driver for over 30 years. He retired from truck driving, but continued to work in maintenance for Clearr Ind then later for his son, Claude at DRT Machining and also for EMI Ind.
Mr. Smith is survived by his wife, Emma Christine, daughter and her husband, Patti and Bruce Parsons of West Palm Beach, FL; son and his wife, Claude and Barbara of Warren, daughter and her husband, Brenda and Rodney Ratliff of Ferndale; daughter and her husband Rebecca and Mark Marion of Walled Lake, stepson, Edward and Betty Hoover of Elizabethton, TN, and grandchildren, Brendon and Blithe Parsons, Michael Smith and Amanda Castano, Matthew Smith, Carley and Montana Marion, Rachelle Chiarani, Heather Karuse. Great Grandchildren, Cara, Drew, Amelia. Also survived by life-long friend Janna Vee Hadden, and Caregiver Renee Marion, and his faithful cat Buddy.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Lois Jean, 3 brothers and 1 sister.
Mr. Smith was an avid Detroit Tigers fan who rarely missed a broadcast game. ven in his final days, Mr. Smith had a sharp wit; was quick with a joke; and faster with a comeback. He also enjoyed gardening and would spend many summer hours sitting in the backyard watching his vegetables grow. Mr. Smith's living room was filled with pictures of his family. He looked forward to daily visits from his children and grandchildren, even in the middle of a seventh inning stretch.
Funeral services for John Thomas Smith will be held at Hopcroft Funeral Home located at 31145 John R road, Madison Heights, Thursday, July 30, at 7 pm. The Rev. Roger Brink will officiate. Relatives and friends are welcome at the Hopcroft Funeral Home, on Thursday from 3 - 9 pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to donors choice.
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