Obituary of Greg Smith
Gregory Alan Smith was born in Piqua, Ohio on September 13, 1961. He was one of three children born from the union of the late Robert and Julie (Collins) Smith. He attended Jefferson High School and graduated with the Class of 1979.
Greg met the lovely, Rhoda Calkins, and they exchanged wedding vows on October 16, 1982 at Bethany Baptist Church in Monroe. Together, they were blessed with two beautiful daughters.
Greg was a hardworking and dedicated family man. He was employed at Mercy Memorial Hospital and Oakwood Annapolis Hospital. Between the two, he worked thirty years as a boiler operator, before retiring in 2016.
Family was always the center of Greg’s life. He was undoubtedly his daughters’ biggest fan attending all their sporting events and dance recitals. Greg was an extremely proud “Papaw” and cherished his time with his grandchildren. He treated all “babies” as if they were his own grandbabies.
Greg enjoyed traveling with his family, especially the trip to Mackinac Island, where they attended his daughter’s wedding. Greg visited West Virginia, Atlanta, Toronto, Niagara Falls, Florida, and did some exploring in St. Ignace. He enjoyed playing blackjack at the casinos in Detroit and Toledo but nothing compared to when he played on the tables in Las Vegas.
Gregory Alan Smith, age 59, of Monroe passed away at Garden City Hospital at 1:48am on April 9, 2021. In addition to his parents his passing was preceded by a sister: Terri Milliken.
To cherish his memory, Greg, leaves his wife Rhoda of thirty-eight years; two daughters: Stephanie (Patrick) Caldwell of Commerce Township and Holly (Jay) Robinson of Monroe; a sister: Vonda Taylor; and three grandchildren: Brooklyn Robinson, Charlotte Robinson, and Chase Caldwell.
Friends may gather on Monday, April 12, 2021 from 3:00pm until 7:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185. A graveside service will be held at 11:00am on Thursday, April 15, 2021 at Roselawn Memorial Park, 13200 South Dixie Highway, LaSalle, Michigan 48145. Pastor Daniel Potts of Trinity Lutheran Church will officiate.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the State of Michigan’s mandates, guests will be limited in number, face coverings will be required, and no food or beverages will be permitted inside the building.
Memorials are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association of Michigan. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.