Webb Smith Jr.

1969 - 2017

Webb Anthony Smith Jr.

Greenacres, Florida, formerly of Lansing

Webb Anthony Smith, Jr. died on September 19, 2017 surrounded by his loving family at home in East Lansing, Michigan following a four year long battle with Stage 4 Colon Cancer. He was born on January 12, 1969 in Lansing.  He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Laura (Lori) Lee Smith and his daughters Aubrie of Baltimore, Maryland, and Leslie of Lynchburg, Virginia. Also cherishing his memories are his mother, Patricia, and father, Webb (Tony) Smith and two sisters Barbara Ann (Graham) Merwin and Betsy Lyn Smith. Also surviving are his father-in-law Ed Barkholz of Fennville, Michigan, sisters-in-law Teri Barkholz of North Liberty, Iowa, and Cheri Lyons of Grand Ledge, Michigan, and brother-in-law Dan (Mary Beth) Barkholz of Edmore, Michigan. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, whose love he cherished, and whose presences he enjoyed while serving as a devoted mentor for many of them.

Webb graduated from Lansing Catholic Central High School, Class of 1987 and attended Northwood University and Lansing Community College. Growing up in East Lansing, Webb, early on, became an avid, loyal fan of the MSU Spartans.

Webb and his family were proud graduates of the Drug and Alcohol Rehab Program known as "Straight" in 1989 where they all learned many life lessons. Following graduation, Webb worked as a counselor for Straight in the Southern California area for a year.  Following that he worked for Project Teamwork, an organization that rehabbed houses in the Lansing area. While doing that, he volunteered for Youth for Christ and it was there that he met and fell in love with his life partner Lori.

Webb spent many years in the construction business, eventually becoming a partner of John Bonifiglio Builders - building many homes in the Lansing area.  During that time, he built a home for his own family at Lake Victoria in Laingsburg, Michigan.

In 2011, Webb and Lori moved to Greenacres, Florida and opened their own custom window treatment business, "Shades and More" in Delray Beach, Florida. They operated that business until Webb's health forced them to close.

Webb and Lori continued their active affiliation with Youth for Christ - Campus Life and for many years in Laingsburg opened their home to young people in that area, many of whom have expressed that Webb and Lori provided a life changing experience for them. Webb was also active in the Laingsburg Lions Club where he served as its president.

Webb went on seven mission trips to Guatemala with Pray America. There, he participated in building schools and housing for orphans and building homes for widows and their children. He developed a genuine love for the people he helped. He often commented that he felt closer to God while doing this work.

Webb and Lori were among the founding members of Rivers Edge Community Church in Lansing and have maintained strong relationships with members of that church.  In Florida they became active members of Christ Fellowship Church in West Palm Beach, and Webb was an active contributing member in the Men's Discipleship Group.

A celebration of Webb's life will be held Monday, September 25, 12:00 noon, at South Church, 5250 Cornerstone Dr., Lansing, MI. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until service time at the church. A "Spartan tailgate" will follow the service. An additional service will be held in Florida at a later date.

In his life, Webb was giving and caring to all; he followed his heart.  Any contributions in his memory should be to Greater Lansing Youth for Christ or as your heart directs. Friends may sign the online guestbook at www.palmerbush.com.