Albert T Smith Jr.

Wellston, MI

Albert Thomas Smith, Jr. or Butch as he was known to his family, has died at the age of 69 years on December 27, 2011. He had a malignant brain tumor and was in the loving care of Hospice of Lansing. Al was born on September 9, 1942 in Battle Creek to Albert T. Smith “Smitty” and Anna Harper. While he worked at Paramount Coffee for over 35 years, those that knew him will also associate him with hunting, fishing, and working on his cabin. He always had a smile on his face, a beer in his hand, and a joke bursting at the seams. Whether he was feeding his deer, fishing, riding his Harley or just waiting to scare the daylights out of you, there was always a kind and tender soul beneath the surface looking for an opportunity to help out someone that least expected it. His rough exterior made him look like a tough guy, but we all knew he had a sweet, loving interior. He shared his cabin with anyone that wanted to spend time there. He helped his friend give her children Christmases, pets and vacations they wouldn’t have otherwise had. Al touched lives with his unique brand of love. Of those lucky people, he is survived by his children, Jacqueline Hier, Albert T. Smith III, Cami (Brian) Brown, Melissa Smith; significant other, Mary Alvera; brother, Don (Janice) Smith; 11 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and his beloved cat Elvis. Al is also blessed to be joining his father, Albert; mother, Anna; brother Max and sister Cora in heaven. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, January 4, 2012 at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home, 900 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, January 3, 2012 from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the funeral home. In lieu flowers contributions may be made to the Hospice of Lansing Stoneleigh Residence, 4052 Legacy Parkway, Suite 200, Lansing, MI 48911 in memory of Al. He was acutely aware of how comfortable they had made his last days. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the caring staff of Sparrow Hospital on 6 South, 6 Neuman, 6 Foster, Inpatient Rehab and the loving staff at Hospice of Lansing Stoneleigh Residence. The family is being served by the Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.grlansing.com

Arrangements under the direction of Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, Lansing, MI.