Gilroy Lee Smith

1939 - 2023

Gilroy Lee Smith
Frankfort, MI
June 1, 1939 - February 27, 2023
Gilroy Lee Smith, of Frankfort, loving husband and father passed away peacefully on Monday, February 27, 2023, at his home surrounded by his loving wife Mollie Margret (Luxford) Smith and loving family. Gilroy "Lee" was born June 1, 1939, to Leon Otis Smith and Corinne Isabel Gilroy in Frankfort. Lee was in the U.S. Navy stationed in Philadelphia serving on the USS Noah starting in 1959, and then returning home to marry Mollie in June of 1960. They spent their early years in Philadelphia. Lee always made friends easily, and while in the service he met Robert Willette who would turn out to be a lifelong friend, and the "brother" he never had. Lee was honorably discharged in 1960 to come home to run the family grocery store business. Lee continued his lifelong career in the food industry until retirement age, raising his family in Frankfort. Lee was raised on a farm in Frankfort and followed his family's passion for animals, and the farm. Horses were a true love of his starting at a very young age, following in his father's footsteps. Lee was also an avid outdoorsman who loved a great day in the woods with his beagles hunting snowshoe rabbits, or with friends and family hunting white tail deer. He will be remembered for his easy-going characteristic, kindness, and the love and care he had for his family, with his grandchildren being second to none. He was preceded in death by his parents, and grandson Justin L. Smith (Gene Smith). Lee is survived by his wife and best friend Mollie of 62 years; daughter Lee Ann Sanborn of Traverse City; son Ryan G. Smith (Nancy) of Frankfort, Eugene (Gene) L. Smith of Traverse City; sisters Madelyn Appleton of Elberta, Corinne Kidder (Benjamin) of Frankfort, and Patricia Nye (Thomas) of Frankfort; grandsons of Ryan and Nancy: Samuel G. Smith of Frankfort and Jack R. Smith of Grand Rapids. Lee's parent's family name has been prominent in Frankfort/Benzie County for a very long time. He has many dear friends and family members throughout the area. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, June 10 at Gilmore Twp Cemetery with Rev. Dinah Haag officiating. Arrangements by Jowett Family Funeral Home.