Ray L. "Lindy" Smith

With hearts full of love and deep gratitude for a life well lived, we announce the passing of Ray Lyndon "Lindy" Smith of Watervliet, a beloved husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, friend and a proud son of Southwest Michigan. He departed this earthly life at age 87, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Benton Harbor to Kenneth and Marge (Buckman) Smith, Lindy spent summers on Paw Paw Lake and at the apple farm in Watervliet with his Grandpa Oscar, experiences that instilled in him a deep connection to the land, a strong work ethic and a quiet humility that shaped the salt-of-the-Earth man he became. Known for his striking blue eyes, his warm gaze reflected the kindness and wisdom he carried throughout his life.

Lindy honorably served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1956-58. After returning home, he found the love of his life, Rosemary Wax. He saw her before she saw him and their love story began. Married for 62 years, Lindy never missed a birthday or anniversary, always gifting cards adorned with roses and heartfelt messages. Together, they built a life grounded in joy, laughter, and commitment, a true balance of strength and love, shared through resilience and humor.

Lindy and his brother Kenny ran a family milk hauling business, delivering not just dairy but loyalty, stories and laughter to farmers. Later, at Yellow Freight, he earned the National Safe Driver and Million Mile Awards, proudly wearing a watch symbolizing his dedication and professionalism.

A devoted family man, Lindy created special bonds with his children through family trips and countless adventures. He taught them to be kind, love deeply and face life's challenges with strength. A true outdoors man, he was an expert marksman, hunter and fisherman, sharing these passions with his son, grandson and lifelong friends. Through camping, snowmobiling and four-wheeling, he passed down his love of nature to his cherished grandchildren.

Lindy enjoyed timeless jazz greats, often filling his home, especially his "man cave" (the garage) with music, lively conversation and the roar of NASCAR races. Among his greatest gifts was his storytelling. Whether spinning a tale around a campfire or over a beer at the "safety meeting," his stories were funny, vivid and full of heart, becoming part of the family's shared language. A prankster with quick wit, his storytelling wasn't just entertainment, it was how he passed on values, history and love.

Lindy was a loving husband, father, grandfather, a quiet force of strength, wisdom and warmth. He gave his all and then gave even more, leaving behind a legacy of grit, grace, hardy laughs and jazz that never stops playing.

He is survived by his wife, Rosemary; their children: Dawn, Marc (Renee), and Holly; grandchildren: Josh (Ashley) Mann, Danielle (Brett) Thumm, Ashton Smith-Howard and Addison Smith; great-grandchildren; two sisters: Kathleen LaDuke, Vicky (Dave) Brinker; four nieces; five nephews; and countless extended family and friends who were blessed to know him.

He was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth Smith; mother, Marge (Buckman) Smith; brother, Kenny Smith and nephew, Lance LaDuke.

A celebration of life will be from 1-5 p.m. on Sunday, July 20, FOP Lodge 147 in Coloma. In Lindy's honor, bring a favorite photo, a cherished story, or wear a headband in his memory.

May the woods echo with his laughter and wit and may the stars and moon shine a little brighter for a man who loved deeply, thought wisely and lived fully.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to ReLeaf Michigan, a statewide tree-planting nonprofit, or Corewell Health Merlin & Carolyn Hanson Hospice Center, Stevensville.

Hutchins Funeral Home in Watervliet is assisting Lindy's family with cremation. You are invited to leave a message of comfort for his family at hutchinsfuneral.com.