Riley W Smith ,71, of Battle Creek, Michigan, passed away on Friday, October 16, 2015 at Bronson Methodist Hospital. He was born on June 18, 1944, the son of Wayne and Gladys of Battle Creek.
Riley belonged to the Transamerica Mens Club, Battle Creek Elks,, NFLCC National Fishing Lure Collectors Club.
He is survived by his Wife of 38 years - Julie (Kinney) Smith of Battle Creek, Michigan; Son, Braden Lee Smith of Battle Creek, MI; Sister, Jill (Dave) Strohpaul of NC; Two Granddaughters, Morgan M Smith of Battle Creek, MI, Brianna Brown of Battle Creek, MI; Grandson, Justin Brown of FL; . He was preceded in death by his Father and Mother.
Riley was the Founder and President of the Equal Rights for Fathers Foundation started in 1972, avid collector of antiques specializing in fishing lures, He was a fountain of information for any item that needed to be identified. He enjoyed estate and auction sales and going to garage sales with Julie. Riley loved the atmosphere of live auctions. He loved being around lakes and water which generated a soothing, calming effect, specifically Diamond Lake where his parents lived for 55 years, where skiing and boating filled much of his free time. Most of all he enjoyed being with his family.
Visitation will be held at the Baxter Funeral & Cremation Service, 375 W. Dickman Road, on Tuesday October 20, 2015 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
A funeral service will be held at the Baxter Funeral & Cremation Service, 375 W. Dickman Road, on Wednesday, October 21, 2015, 10:00 am with Rev. Kelly Hadlich of Battle Creek Friends Church officiating.
Interment will take place in the Memorial Park Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to: American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association.
Arrangements by the Baxter Funeral & Cremation Service. 269-788-9800 www.baxterfuneral.com

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