Daniel Glenn Smith

Daniel Glenn Smith, aged sixty-eight, of West Branch, aka “Walleye” passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 24th, 2026, at MyMichigan Medical Center West Branch, surrounded in love by his family.

Daniel was born on July 27th, 1957, in Highland Park, MI to William “Mac” Smith and Shirley Kyle.

Dan was a phenomenal musician whose love for music shaped much of his life. A gifted vocalist, guitarist, and truly exceptional harmonica player.

Growing up in the Detroit area, Dan fell in love with music at an early age, a passion that led him to his first guitar and carried him through a lifetime of playing. He performed in multiple bands over the years and formed lifelong friendships along the way, bonded by music and shared memories.

Music eventually became more than a hobby for Dan; it became a profession. For years, he played every weekend and often during the week, performing endlessly and enthusiastically. Even after being diagnosed with cancer, Dan continued to do what he loved most. Despite being in significant pain, he kept playing, refusing to let illness take away the music that defined him. He played right up until the end, a testament to his strength, dedication, and deep love for his master craft.

For much of his career, Dan worked as a car salesperson and took immense pride in doing right by his customers. He was known for his honesty, integrity, and commitment to making sure every customer was satisfied when they drove their new vehicle off the lot.

He also had a love for coffee and breakfast foods and that eventually led him to opening his own business, the Coffee Bagel Café, which he ran successfully for many years.

Dan loved attending concerts with his friends and his children, and he never lost his appreciation for live music. Outside of music, he enjoyed ice fishing, camping, and trips to the casino—especially when spent with his mom.

Dan was also the biggest Detroit Lions fan you could ever meet. He bled Honolulu blue and never gave up on the Lions, standing by them through every high and low season. Even when others criticized or counted them out, Dan remained loyal and proud, always defending his team. His unwavering support for the Lions reflected who he was at his core—steadfast, devoted, and faithful to the things and people he loved.

In his later years, however, his greatest joy came from time spent with his grandchildren, Myley and Tucker. He loved taking them camping at Yogi Bear, getting Dairy Queen, going to Irons Park, traveling with them to cool places like the Detroit Zoo, and creating memories that they will remember forever.

He is survived by his daughter Brittany Anne Terry and son Brandon McKinley Smith; grandchildren Myley and Tucker Terry; forever son-in-law Nicholas Terry; stepmother Wendy Holloway; sister Kelley Leigh Milner (Toni); nephews and nieces Ryan (Lisa) Milner, Jason (Lora) Milner, and Adam Milner; great niece Isabella Milner; siblings Marisa Reisdorf and Justin Smith; mother of his children and close friend, Lora Stoddard; close cousins Jodi Roodvoets, Joe (Aira) Fornwall, and Bethanne Masse, along with many other beloved cousins.

Also surviving are his best friends: Mark & Suzanne Lawerence, Max Wilkins, Frank & Sandy Reneaud, Louis Tissio, Steve & Anne Densted, Gary & Cory Cooley, Dan & Terry Emery, Gary & Sally Illig, Jimmy & Karen Miller, Jim & Maryanne Dika, Brian Ernst, Joel Erickson, Tom & Patti Lapinta and Truman Vincent, along with many other close friends.

He is preceded in death by his mother and stepfather Shirley Ann & William Reed Kyle, father William McKinley Smith, aunt and uncle Linda and Craig Fornwall, longtime friend Donald Curtis and many other beloved aunts, uncles, friends and extended family.

The family asks for those who wish to express sympathy to consider a monetary donation to his children to help with the cost of his Celebration of Life that will take place this Spring in West Branch, with final details to come at a later date.

Arrangements were handled by Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch. www.steuernolmclaren.com