Robert Samuel Smith III

SMITH - Robert Samuel Smith, III passed away at his home on December 19, 2008 following a long illness. Bob was born June 1, 1923 in Chicago, IL and grew up in Hammond IN. He served in the U.S. Naval Air Corps. during World War II. In 1946, he graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and married his childhood sweetheart, Susanne Pugh. The Smiths moved to Grand Rapids, MI where Bob began his lifelong career in the automobile business. His greatest enjoyments where his family and wonderful friends, his RC model planes, decades of playing basketball with his special cohorts at the YMCA, and sunsets at the family cottage overlooking Lake Michigan. Surviving are his wife of 62 years, Susanne; his children, Susanne Elrod (Roger Webb) of Austin, TX, Robert Smith (Carol) of Lowell and Sarah Bryska (Daniel) of Grand Rapids; and his six grandchildren, Aaron and Corey Wildey, Andy Smith (Danielle), Jessica Smith, and Kate and Daniel Webb. Memorial services will be held on Tuesday at 11 a.m. in the Metcalf & Jonkhoff Chapel with Pastor John Frye officiating. Bob's family will receive friends on Tuesday at the funeral home one hour prior to the service. The family would like to thank Faith Hospice for their compassionate care. Memorial contributions are suggested to the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids (475 Lake Michigan Dr. NW Grand Rapids, MI. 49502) or a charity of one's choice. The family is being served by: Metcalf & Jonkhoff Funeral Service