August 19, 1930 ~ September 29, 2024
Warren Bradley Smith, 94, of Englewood, Fla. passed away on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024. He was born Aug. 19, 1930 in Berne, Ind., to Clare and Gertrude Smith.
Brad resided in Ferry Township, where he and his family owned and worked at Smith Crate Works. In 1951, he entered the Air Force. After the Air Force, he returned to the family business. In 1952, he met and married Virginia McClain. After the business was sold, he moved to Shelby, Mich., in 1965. He worked for DuPont in Montague for eight years before opening his own business, Shelby Box and Pallet in the Shelby Industrial Park.
Brad served as a volunteer fireman and served on the Shelby Village Council. Upon retirement in 1999, he and Ginny spent their winters in Englewood, Fla. After Ginny’s death in 2000, he made Englewood his permanent home.
Brad enjoyed bowling, golfing and fishing in his younger years. In later years, he enjoyed spending time in his small woodworking shop, where he made trucks, airplanes, boats, sea turtles and whatever he was interested in at the time. Family and friends received these handmade gifts to cherish. Brad loved family gatherings and enjoyed hosting friends who would come down to Florida and spend a couple of days.
He was a member of the Ludington Methodist Church before transferring to the Englewood Methodist Church.
Brad is survived by: his loving companion Carol Kistler; daughters, Kathy (Roger) Schecter and Gina Smith; sister, Mary Glover; grandchildren, Brad (Sophia) Schecter and Drake Fulker; great-grandchildren, Jack and Claire Schecter; and many loving nephews and nieces.
Brad was preceded in death by: his parents; wife, Ginny; daughter, Sharon Fulker; brothers, Lamont Smith, Larry Smith and Roger Smith; and sisters; Verl Sanderson, Kathleen Smith and Donna Snyder.
Cremation has taken place, and upon his request, there will be no service.
The family will share memories and celebrate his life upon interment in the spring at the Shelby Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Tidewell Hospice of Venice, Fla.
