David Lee Smitz

David Lee Smitz
June 22, 1946 - January 2, 2026
Smitz, David Lee of Roscommon, Michigan, formerly of Linden, Michigan, age 79 died Friday, January 2, 2026, at The Brook in Grayling, Michigan. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, and sibling who leaves behind a legacy of love, integrity, strength, and hard work.
David was born in Flint, Michigan, on June 22, 1946, the son of the late Paul Smitz and Mary (Barlow) Smitz. He graduated from Kearsley High School in 1964, obtained his Associate's Degree from Genesee Community College, and served in the U.S. Navy from 1967 - 1972. As a youth, he was a well-known pitcher in the Flint area. After high school, he played for Genesee Community College and was scouted by many major league organizations, including the Detroit Tigers.
On December 15, 1967, he married the love of his life Nancy (Street) at the Court Street Methodist Church in Flint, MI. Together, they were blessed with two wonderful children: Derek and Becky. David, along with Nancy, raised their family in Linden, Michigan, where he was an avid supporter of his community. David spent many years and countless hours developing and strengthening Linden's Little League program as both the president and as a coach. During his tenure, he spearheaded the development of six ball fields that are still in use today. He was an active member of Kiwanis in Linden and volunteered hundreds of hours to help improve his community. Additionally, David was a long time member of the Flint American Legion Post 64. He was a staunch believer in volunteerism and sacrifice to better the lives of others.
David's main fulfillment came from the love and support he provided to his wife, children, and grandchildren. David was proud of his family and their accomplishments. He and Nancy raised their children to become strong, honest, and hardworking individuals. This legacy continued with his grandchildren, who he bragged about regularly. He never missed an event and was always a devoted supporter of his family. He loved his wife and the life they created together. Their strong sense of family, humor, love, and perseverance saw them through their 58 years of marriage. After working for 38 years, he retired from General Motors. He and Nancy moved to Roscommon and enjoyed spending time with family and friends on Higgins Lake.
His stubborn and unconditional love, along with his sense of humor, will be deeply missed by those who were blessed to know him. He had a strong shell and a soft, kind heart. He continues to make his family laugh because honestly, he would say this whole obituary is just "Monkey Business."
David was preceded in death by his father, Paul Smitz. Surviving are his wife, Nancy; children, Derek (Kerri) Smitz and Becky (Mike) Draper; grandchildren, Grant, Dane, Avery, Emma, and Cate; mother, Mary Smitz; brother, Don Smitz; sister, Paula (Rick) Manzardo; brother, Mark Smitz; sisters in law, Robin (Bill) Korona, Mary Street; and brother in law, Russel (Jeanine) Street; along with many loving nieces, nephews, and friends.
Family and friends will gather on Saturday, January 10, 2026, for visitation from 11:00 AM until the time of the Memorial Service at 1:00 PM, at Wagner and Walsh Funeral Directors, 143 Lake Street, Roscommon, Michigan 48653.
For those unable to attend in person, the service will be livestreamed at: https://www.facebook.com/wagnerandwalshfuneraldirectors.
If so desired, the family prefers memorial contributions to be made in David's name to Kiwanis Club of Linden Michigan or the Roscommon-St. Helen Little League.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagner and Walsh Funeral Directors, Roscommon.