Earl C. Smith

Earl C. “Squirrel” Smith age 72 of Comstock Park, passed away Monday, January 15, 2018 at his home surrounded by his family. Earl was born December 24, 1945 in Grant, MI the son of Walter and Sarah (Eaton) Smith. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, and loved riding his motorcycle. He and JoAnn enjoyed spending the winters in Florida, where he loved to deep sea fish. He worked 32 years at the Sparta Foundry. Earl was a role model and father figure to many people other than his children. He brought light, love and laughter to everyone he met and will be greatly missed. Earl is survived by his wife JoAnn (Henry); children, Richard Smith, Penny Grindle, Bryan Batchelder, Tammy (Dan) Longtine; 12 grandchildren; papa to 8 great grandchildren; brothers, Edgar (Leora) Smith, Everette (Alice) Smith; sisters and brothers-in-law, John Chaplin, Shirley (Larry) Crusan, Sandy Oros, Roger (Diane) Henry; many nieces and nephews; best friend of 45 years, Ed (Rosalind) McIntyre. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Eloise and Arnold Fields, Elizabeth and Richard Oaks, Erma and Orie Veltkamp, and Eleanor Chaplin, grandson, Joshua Grindle. The family will greet friends Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs where the service will be held Saturday 11:00 am. Viewing will begin Saturday 10:00 am. His godson Brandon Fenske officiating. In memory of Earl, please pay it forward to someone in need.