Paul J. Smith

Paul Jackson Smith, of Farmington Hills, MI, son of Hazel and Ozro Smith, passed away on August 29, 2025, at the age of 86. He was preceded in death by Beverly Ann Smith, his wife of 60 years and the love of his life. He was the twelfth of fifteen children and preceded in death by his brothers: Robert, Douglas, Daniel and Clyde, and his sisters: Audrey Lee, Fayetta, Esther, Lois Ann, Carol, Maureen, Gloria, Bonnie and Linda.

He is survived by his children, Leslie Nathan (Matthew), Stacy Smith and Stephen Smith, his sister Susan, and a large and loving extended family. Paul was very proud of his large family and loved each of his many cousins, nieces and nephews very much. His immediate family spent many happy summer vacations in northern Michigan with his siblings and their families – these were times he truly treasured; family was everything to him.

Paul was born in Onaway, Michigan and spent his early years on the family farm. As a child he enjoyed Summers in northern Michigan with his many siblings. Later, the family moved to Detroit, and he attended Detroit Public Schools, having graduated from Cooley High School, where he met his future wife, Beverly.

Upon graduating from high school Paul worked at Maxon advertising agency in Detroit, alongside his brothers Clyde and Doug, and attended night school at Walsh College. In the late 1960s he began working at Radio Distributing Company (RDC) in Detroit. He began at an entry level position and over the next thirty years rose to become President of the company. While working at RDC, Paul and Beverly enjoyed multiple business and pleasure trips to Spain, Japan, England, Bermuda, the Bahamas, and multiple excursions to Las Vegas. Paul and Beverly enjoyed these trips immensely and would reminisce about them in their later years.

Upon his retirement in 1999, Paul continued his love of golf, participating in numerous golf leagues and golf excursions with his buddies. He was an avid gardener and landscaper. Passersby would frequently comment on his beautiful yard, and this was a source of great pride for him. Paul was also a gifted artisan and created thoughtful works of art for family and friends. His biggest project was a totem pole which he meticulously hand carved out of a full-sized telephone pole, painted, and later, with great fanfare, staked in his backyard.

Paul was known for his great sense of humor and quick wit, frequently directed at his numerous nieces and nephews (along with the obligatory Dutch head rub for which he was known). His family and friends will remember him as being fiercely loyal, highly organized, and above all, completely devoted to his family and friends. He will be sorely missed by all that knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Michigan Humane Society or planting a tree in Paul's name (see link).

Memorial visitation will take place on Friday, September 5th from 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm and Saturday, September 6th from 11:00am – 6:00pm at Heeney-Sundquist Funeral Home, Farmington, Michigan.

Funeral service will be held privately. A Memorial service will be scheduled in the Fall.