Obituary of Ricki "Rick" Lee Smith

Ricki Lee Smith was born July 8, 1954 in South Bend, Indiana. He was born from the union of the late Lester Smith and the late Catherine (Gentry) Smith. Rick married the love of his life, Debra Stump, on December 27, 1991 and together they enjoyed many beautiful years together.

To support his family, he started working at Ford Motor Company in Milan as a Process Technician in 1974 until he retired in 2009. He was also very active in the community serving as a volunteer fireman at the L.M.R. Fire Department from 1975 until 1995 when he became Fire Chief until 2013. He was also a Captain in the Red Cross. There was no limit to the things Rick would do to help those in need.

Rick loved to be outdoors and enjoyed time spent hunting and especially fishing and would stock his cooler with anything he caught.  He was an avid Tigers fan and enjoyed going to countless games in Detroit to watch them play. He had a playful personality and a great sense of humor, making it easy for him to make friends. He loved telling jokes and making people laugh.

Above anything, he was a family man. He was a loving husband, a great father, and the greatest grandfather to his grandchildren. He will be missed by everyone who knew him.

Ricki Lee Smith, age 64, of Maybee, passed away on Wednesday, July 18, 2018 at Promedica Monroe Regional Hospital surrounded by his family. His passing is preceded by his brother: Bobby Smith and his parents.

To cherish his memory, he leaves his wife: Debra Smith; his children: Carrie (John) Bellestri, Roxanne Smith-Schneider, Traci (Gary) Campbell, Gary Balcom, Kevin Smith and Rebecca (Frank) Bogedain; his sister: Linda “Kay” (Joe) Slemp; his grandchildren: Codie, Collin, Brian, Alexis, Jacob, Travis, Mandi, Dakota, Carissa, Chance, Logan and Andraya; his great grandchildren: Paisley, Adrian, Sofia, Lizzy and Sammy and many extended family members and friends.

Friends and family may gather on Monday, July 23, 2018 from 2:00pm-8:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185. A Celebration of His Life will take place on Tuesday, July 24, 2018 at 11:00am also at Merkle’s with Reverend Dale Hayford officiating. Burial will take place at Northside Cemetery in Maybee.

Online guests may leave words of comfort and inspiration, share a photo or send a floral arrangement by visiting www.merklefs.com.