Rupert A. Smith

Rupert A. Smith, age 88, of Glennie, formerly of Troy, died August 11, 2016. Rupert was born on June 20, 1928, in Imboden, Arkansas, son of the late Clarence E. and Ruby Blanche (Stinnett) Smith. Early in life he was a farmer, was a rider in the rodeo and was well known for breaking horses. It was around this time he was offered a minor league opportunity with the St. Louis Cardinals Baseball Team. In 1950 Rupert moved to Michigan and began his career with Chrysler Motors. He later joined the Ford Motor Co. and became an Engineer as well as Director of Field Testing with the Ford Tractor Division until he purchased Pontiac Tractor & Equipment Company, which he owned and operated for 15 years. For the next 22 years, Rupert owned and operated Oakland Equipment Rentals, selling large construction equipment which eventually lead to an underground construction business developing industrial parks, retail, and restaurants in Metro Detroit. Rupert went on to build and operate two golf courses, most notably The Links of Pinewood in Commerce Township, and Eagle Ridge Golf Club in Glennie. He also had served on the Township Board of Glennie, and was actively involved with improving the greater Glennie community. Rupert was a former elder of the Clawson Church of Christ where he attended for many years. Rupert was dearly loved by his family and will be greatly missed. He is survived by Rosanell Smith, his children: Rheta Lauren (Thomas) Yow, Rhonda Janet (Stan) Jewell, and Richard Austin (Mary) Smith; grandchildren Lorrie (Kurt) Bettendorf, Michael (Debby) Jewell, Karrie Yow, Marc (Michelle) Jewell, Ronald (Kelly) Jewell, Marcie (Craig) Spinneweber, Sydney Smith, Blake Smith, Dylan Smith; great grandchildren Madelyn Bettendorf, Myranda Bettendorf, Mason Jewell, Sarah Jewell, Nicole Jewell, Cameron Jewell, Alex Jewell, Mallary Bettendorf, Carly Jewell, and Julia Spinneweber; a sister, Vivian Portell and brothers, Mason Smith, Warren Smith and Don Smith. Funeral services will be held 11 am Wednesday, August 17, 2016, at the Pixley Funeral Home, 322 W. University Dr., Rochester. Mr. Tom Sturgeon officiating. Interment to follow at Christian Memorial Cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday 3 to 8 pm and Wednesday, the hour prior to the funeral.