Bernard R. Smith Jr.

1933 - 2024

Bernard R. Smith, Jr, 91, of Sebring Florida and formerly of Mount Pleasant and Fountain, Michigan, passed away on December 13th, 2024. Bernard was born in Mount Pleasant, Michigan on May 4, 1933, to the late Ray B. Smith and Pauline Van Horn of Mount Pleasant. He was preceded in death by his brother, Larry E. Smith and sisters, Joyce Wilson, Donna Stickler, and Beverly Ketchum.

Proudly raised on the West Side of Mount Pleasant, Bernie graduated from Mount Pleasant High School in 1951 and served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict, from 1953 to 1955. He attained the rank of Sergeant and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and the Army of Occupation Medal (Germany) for his service.

Bernard married the late Gertrude Ann Moore of Edmore Michigan, in October 1955 and together they had three children: Thomas Ray (Ron Kruman), Kathy Sue (Steve Fought) both deceased, and Douglas Michael (Kimberly). Bernie had four grandchildren: Jae Lynne Fought, Ashley Fought, Lucas Smith, and Ryan Smith. He also had four great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

Bernie owned a lake lot property in Baldwin, Michigan in the 1970s and enjoyed spending time in the outdoors. He loved to snowmobile and affectionately referred to his property as "Smitty's Poverty Knob".

Bernie worked at Dow Chemical in Midland and Ludington for 30+ years, retiring in 1985. Following retirement, Bernie and his second wife, the late Darlene McKee, of Fountain Michigan, ran a resort on Ford Lake, near Fountain, Michigan and they wintered in Florida. They eventually bought a house and settled in the Sebring Falls Retirement Park in Sebring, Florida. Always the life of the party, Bernie was well-known for his dry wit, sense of humor, and ability to tell jokes and funny stories. He made a lot of friends in his motorcycle and RV travels, visiting all 48 of the contiguous United States.

Bernie was an avid hunter and fisherman and truly embraced a workman's philosophy. He taught his children to take care of their belongings (especially vehicles) and follow this guidance: "Whether the job is large or small, do it well, or not at all".

Bernard's family wishes to thank Doctor Oliveros and the Fresenius Dialysis Medical Care of Sebring Florida, for their steadfast and devoted care of their dad for the past 13 years.

Per Bernie's wishes, cremation has taken place in Sebring, Florida. The family will have a small graveside service with military honors at Riverside Cemetery in Mount Pleasant, Michigan at a later date.

Arrangements entrusted to: Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home. Online condolences may be left at: www.stephensonnelsonfh.com