William "Russ" Russell Smith

Russ was born to Russell Andrew Smith and Mary Lee Mansfield on June 18, 1937, in Montgomery, Alabama. When Russ was 17 the family moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan where he met the love of his life, Rosalie Mackay at East Grand Rapids High School. He went to Denison University and Michigan State University. His greatest education came from the United States Marine Corps for which he served honorably from 1958 to 1964.

Russ and Rose married on July 8, 1961, and they enjoyed 60 years together. Their union was blessed with three children.

Russ was a salesman at heart, beginning his career as Military Sales Manager with Knapp and Vogt. He eventually moved into medical sales specializing in orthopedics. He was most proud of starting Motion Medical with his son-in-law John.

Russ loved anything to do with the outdoors. Fishing, boating, skiing, camping, and golf. He was a competitive swimmer in high school and college. He loved his family and coached each of his children in various sports. One of his greatest joys was a trip each summer with the grandchildren. He was so proud of his grandkids, Susan, Luke, and Rusty. He was completely smitten with Ellie Rose, his first great-grandchild. He lived the example of putting God first then family.

Russ was preceded in death by his son, R. Andrew Smith (2011). Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 60 years, Rosalie Mackay Smith; his children, Laurie Courter (Steve); and Anne Dean (John); grandchildren, Susan Dean Culpepper (Will), J. Luke Dean (Katherine), and Russell E. Courter; and great-granddaughter Ellie Rose Culpepper. Also surviving Russ are his sister, Francis Smith Keleher; nephew Patrick Keleher; and nieces Betsy Obourn (Bill) and Jane Beckmann.

Visitation will be at Liberty Baptist Church on Thursday, July 8, 2021, at 10 am, with the funeral service beginning at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Liberty Baptist Church and Big Oak Ranch.