Timothy “Tim” James Smith, a longtime resident of Clinton Township and formerly of Harper Woods, passed away unexpectedly on September 15, 2026, at the age of 67. A traditional obituary probably would have been a little too serious for Tim, so it seems appropriate to tell his story with a little of the humor that came so naturally to him.
Tim was born on April 10, 1959, in Detroit, Michigan, to Brian and Patricia Smith. After crashing his Typhoon bicycle as a child, Tim earned the nickname “Typh” which carried all the way to adulthood, proving that one little accident can follow you for the rest of your life.
He attended Guardian Angels Grade School in Detroit and went on to (barely) graduate from De La Salle High School in Warren. His Catholic faith remained with him throughout the years.
Tim also remained a proud member of the Guardian Angels Grade School and De La Salle Class of '77 alumni groups. He kept in close contact with his former classmates and regularly got together with them, maintaining friendships that had lasted for decades.
Tim spent approximately 40 years working as a real estate broker and had a work ethic that was hard to beat. However, he considered being a loving husband and a devoted, supportive father to be his most important job.
On June 13, 1981, Tim married his beloved wife, Lorraine “Lori”, at Guardian Angels Church in Detroit. Together they raised their family and enjoyed more than 45 years of marriage. Tim was also a very active part of his sons’ lives including serving as Assistant Scoutmaster for their Boy Scout Troop, various high school athletic and extracurricular activities, and mentoring on numerous automotive repairs. If there was something involving his family, Tim was usually there.
And then came the grandchildren.
Once Tim became a grandfather, life became largely about figuring out when he would see the grandkids next, what he was going to do with them, and where he could take them. He loved Arianna, Nate, Connor, and Spencer more than words can say, and they brought him an incredible amount of happiness.
Tim was also a talented woodworker. He could make just about anything, from small projects to furniture and fixtures for the home. He was always willing to take on a project—whether or not anyone had actually asked him to. Many of his creations became gifts to family members and will remain cherished keepsakes.
He loved the outdoors and spent countless hours camping with his family throughout Michigan. He also enjoyed cycling, although given the history of the Typhoon bicycle, perhaps everyone should have been just a little nervous. Euchre was another favorite pastime, and Tim was always ready for a game.
Tim was not known for keeping things boring. He was sarcastic, funny, quick with a pun, and always had a story to tell. Sometimes you weren’t entirely sure whether you were supposed to laugh—but you did anyway. Tim’s family will miss his love, advice, stories, and, undoubtedly, the next thing he would have said if he were still here to say it.
He leaves behind his beloved wife, Lori; his children, Kevin (Michelle) and Jason (Jessica); his grandchildren, Arianna, Nate, Connor and Spencer; his sister, Karen (Dave) Lantzy, and their daughters, Jennifer, Julie, and Jessica; many siblings-in-law, extended family members, and friends; and probably several unfinished woodworking projects that someone will now have to figure out.
Tim was preceded in death by his parents, Brian and Patricia, and his brothers, Michael and Daniel.
Visitation for Tim will be held from 3:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Sunday, September 20, 2026, at Resurrection Funeral Home, 40800 Hayes Road, Clinton Township, Michigan 48038. His funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, September 21, 2026, at the same location, with visitation beginning at 10:00 AM. He will be laid to rest at Resurrection Cemetery in Clinton Township.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make contributions in memory of Tim may do so to either the American Lung Association or the American Heart Association. Links to donate online are included below.
