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BORN
1977
DIED
2024
Joel Smalley Obituary
Joel was born on November 21, 1977 in Fenton, Michigan to Dr. Daniel Smalley and the late Linda (LaBarr) Smalley.
Joel is survived by his father and stepmother Dr. Daniel and Pamala Smalley, his siblings Dana (Charles) Markasich (Eveleth, MN), Lindsay (Adam) Uhrig (Sault Ste Marie, MI), Jonathan (Kristina Kvalvaag) Smalley (Ludington, MI), and Peter (Lucy Lee) Smalley (Scottville, MI). He was also the beloved uncle of Mackenzie, Mikael (Paige), Holland, Danica, Noah, Elisha, and Magdalin Markasich, Scarlett Uhrig, and Wyatt and Brison Smalley.
He was proceeded in death by his devoted mother Linda LaBarr Smalley, his grandparents Richard and Betty Smalley, and Rex and Marjorie LaBarr.
Joel moved to Manistee in 1985 with his family where he attended Manistee Public Schools and Kaleva Norman Dickson Schools. He played football, played saxophone in the school band, had roles in school plays, and played bass guitar in a local band with his friends. Joel was well liked by everyone he met. He enjoyed camping, fishing, reading (his favorites were Stephen King and Hemingway), spending time with friends and family, watching sports (especially the Lions), and his dog Miles.
A memorial get-together will be held and hosted by his friends and coworkers at the Blu Moon at 125 S. James St. in Ludington from 2 - 5 p.m. on Sunday August 25th. His friends, family and acquaintances are all encouraged to join together there and raise a glass and share memories in honor of him.
Joel was a book that was meant to be studied, not merely read. His love of learning and exploring new ideas continued throughout his life to the last day of it.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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