Arlie Lee Smith, age 82 of Mendon, died Friday July 20, 2012 at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo. He was born in Doe Hill, Virginia on Sep. 9, 1929 the son of William and Maggie (Smith) Smith, and attended schools in Virginia. He served in the U.S. Army from 1951-53 at several stations around the world. Arlie was married to Etta Ober on May 1, 1952 in West Virginia and they had made their home in Mendon since 1958. He was a logger and wood cutter for many years and always planted a large garden, providing produce for family and friends. Recently he had been attending the Chapman Memorial Church of the Nazarene near Vicksburg.
Arlie is survived by 3 daughters, Joyce Burton of White Pigeon, Carolyn Clark of Sturgis, and Cindy (John) Martini of Mendon; a son, Terry (Pamela) Smith of Bartow, WV; 4 grandchildren; and 3 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; 2 brothers, John and William; a sister, Glendola; a son, Scotty; 2 daughters, Teresa Smith and Patsy Sue Burr; and by his wife, Etta in 2011.
In keeping with Arlie’s wishes, cremation has taken place and no services are to be held. Memorials in honor of Arlie may be directed to Paralyzed Veterans of America, 801 Eighteenth St., NW, Washington, DC 20006-3517 (www.pva.org). An online register is available and condolences may be left for the family at www.eickhofffuneralhome.com.
Print Obituary