Robert "Smitty" Walter Smith , 82, of Battle Creek, Michigan, passed unexpectedly surrounded by his family on Thursday, September 21, 2017 at Bronson Battle Creek. He was born on January 10, 1935, the son of Nile W. Smith and Wilhelmine (Steinbach) Smith.
Smitty graduated from Lakeview High School. He worked at Michigan Carton for over 40 years as a printing pressman. Smitty was an active member of many car clubs over the years.
Smitty is survived by his daughter, Lori A. Smith of Frisco, TX; brother-in-law, Michael (Angela) Brady; granddaughter, Jennifer McNees; great-grandson, Jordan Loss and several nieces, nephews and other loving family members. He was preceded in death by his father, Nile W. Smith, mother, Wilhelmine Smith, wife, Shirley Jean Smith and daughter, Robin Smith.
Smitty was an avid drag car racer and traveled to different tracks to race. He also enjoyed traveling to car shows throughout the summer. He loved collecting miniature cars and any car magazine that he could get his hands on. Smitty enjoyed spending time with his great-grandson and attending every one of his football games. He liked to ride his bike long distances and be outside working on cars. Smitty especially loved drinking coffee with his friends, there was never a person that he met that he considered a stranger.