Steven Coleman Smith, age 84, of Grand Rapids, passed away from lung disease on Thursday, April 3, 2025 surrounded by his family.
Mr. Smith was born in Indianapolis, IN on June 21, 1940. Steven was the son of Lloyd and Elizabeth (Cobb) Smith. He graduated from East Grand Rapids High school and then went on to Miami University in Oxford Ohio. He received his BA in Economics and enjoyed his Beta Theta Phi Fraternity. Steve went on to earn his MBA from Miami in 1961. The best thing about his years at Miami was meeting his devoted wife, Barbara Lynn McDaniel. Barb and Steve married in 1962 and moved to Grand Blanc, MI where Steve went on to enjoy an exciting career as a restaurant entrepreneur. Steve's friend, Richard Elias, was his business partner and had been a loyal friend since Steve and Dick were 5 years old.
Steve loved the Lord Jesus and we know he is now healthy and whole in heaven. Steve served as an elder and trustee at First Presbyterian Church in Flint, MI and enjoyed serving as a board member of Young Life.
Steve and Barb married in Oxford Ohio on September 2, 1962. They were lovingly referred to as "Miami Mergers". Steve is survived by not only his wife and best friend Barb, but also 5 of their children, Jim and Cinda (Smith) Rachor, Julie (Smith) Palm, Stephanie (Smith) Day, Josh and Elizabeth (Smith) Cole, Tyler and Adair Smith, 23 grandchildren he loved so well and 4 great grandchildren, sister, Debi (Smith) Pitts, brother Churchill Smith, many nieces and nephews, and treasured friends.
He was preceded in death by his father Lloyd Enos Smith, mother Elizabeth Cobb Smith, sister, Patricia (Smith) Marley, infant son, Peter Andrew Smith, and son in law, David Kendall Palm.
A generous spirit, heart of service, and compassion for others characterized Steve's life. May that legacy be carried on by Steve's children and grandchildren.
The funeral service will be on Wednesday, April 16th, 2025 at 1:00pm at First Presbyterian Church 746 Saginaw Street, Flint MI 48502. The family will be receiving friends afterward from 2:00-4:00pm.
In lieu of flowers the family encourages gifts of love to Young Life or Transforming Futures (Guatemala).

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Grand Rapids Press from Apr. 5 to Apr. 13, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Steven Smith

Sponsored by The Family.

19 Entries

MAX L CARRANZA

Yesterday

IN MY YOUTH I DIDNT UNDERSTAND HOW TRULY HELPFUL YOU WERE TO MY FAMILY. I JUST KNEW OF HOW YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ASSISTED US AND WE ALWAYS DID THINGS TOGETHER. AS I SAW THE LIGHT, YOU WERE A BLESSING AND ALWAYS HELPED MY FAMILY EVEN AFTER I LEFT TO EXPERIENCE LIFE. I TOO SHARED THE WAY OF HELPING AND GIVING IN MY WORK AND TRIED TO HELP THOSE IN NEED. YOUR FRIENDSHIP TO MY PARENTS WAS VERY SPECIAL. IF YOU SEE MY DAD, TELL HIM HI FOR ME. YOU WILL BE SADLY MISSED.

Dick Kendall

June 21, 2025

So very sorry to hear this. Tried to call today to wish him a happy birthday, no answer, then found this. My best boss ever and a great guy and friend. Will miss our annual chats and know the family will miss him greatly.

Denny Morgan

April 22, 2025

May your hearts be filled with memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. Sending prayers from the Morgan family.

Dave and Linda Smith

April 14, 2025

PRAYERS AND BLESSINGS TO THE FAMILY. STEVE WAS A FAITHFUL CHRISTIAN AND EXCEPTIONAL MAN.

Wanda Cooley

April 13, 2025

Barb and the entire Smith family, I am saddened to read of Steve's passing. The world was a better place for having had his presence. May your warm memories comfort all of you. Hugs!!

Martha Morris

April 12, 2025

Sending all my love to the Smith family. Praying for your peace.

Kathy Skaff

April 11, 2025

Dearest Barb, My heart aches with in a way many coudnt understand! Please8 contact me at 8107200738! I think a week in Florida, just us looking at our lives and our loss will lend to some sense of acceptance. I cant say healing because this loss is so great we will never really recover! But we will go on in our own way , greatful for freinds and family who surround us with love and care that comfort us but never touches the pain we feel! I have the hope that we can run away to Fort Lauderdale and sit on the balcony and share our stories! Share the love we felt and share the pain. Let me know! Love you 810 7200738 h0me phone!

Matt Cramer

April 10, 2025

So sorry to see this. Prayers to the whole family. I´ll be out of town and unable to attend the funeral. I wish I could be there to pay my respects. Mr. Smith was such a great person.

Judy Cramer

April 10, 2025

Barb, Cinda, Julie and Smith Family, our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. You all must have wonderful memories of Steve. Dick and I do, he was a wonderful human being.
Judy and Dick Cramer

Kathy Muench

April 10, 2025

Barb, I´m saddened to learn of Steve´s death. You and Steve were welcoming Christian´s all my days at First Presbyterian. Steve served so well for so many. We know he is on a wonderful eternal journey and someday we will meet again. May you be strengthened by love and support of family and friends.

Richard Wagonlander

April 9, 2025

When didn't see each other much. We liked to talk about books when we did meet. He treated me like we had grown up together. I feel good about knowing him and I know I have better days ahead because we will probably have a few moments together again.

Vicki Steele

April 8, 2025

Barb, I am so sorry for your loss. May happy memories sustain you and your beautiful family. Love and prayers, Vicki

Catherine Andresen

April 8, 2025

Dearest Barb, one of the highlights of my return to Flint to care for my Mama was basking in the love, friendship and fellowship of you and Steve and the FPCF family. I smile so much whenever I think of you in the choir loft or Steve roaming the halls. I will always treasure your visits to my Mama and our family when she was at home in hospice care. So much love to you and your family! Catherine

Chris Wise

April 7, 2025

I love you, Mr. Smith. Thanks for being the world's greatest and kindest neighbor. Rest in peace and love.

Patti & Ron Hartman

April 7, 2025

Barb and the entire family, our heart goes out to you during this difficult time. May Steve rest in peace. With love......

Ron&Patti HartmaN

April 7, 2025

So sorry for us all to have lost such a kind, caring , good person. Our hearts go out to Barb and the entire Smith family. May he rest in peace and his memory be a blessing. Patti & Ron

peter foy

April 6, 2025

Steve epitomized how we all should run our lives. Not too high, not too low, while making sure we treat each other the way Christ taught us. Well done, Steve.

Rob and Martha Ryan

April 5, 2025

The most interesting person We have known with the amazing gift of listening and caring about others

Robin Cook

April 5, 2025

Barb & Family,

I am so sorry to hear of Steve´s passing. He was a wonderful, smart, kind man who loved and adored his family. I learned a lot from him & those lessons have brought much joy to my life. Sending hugs to all that loved Steve.

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