Steven C. Smith

Steven Coleman Smith, age 84, of Grand Rapids, passed away from lung disease on Thursday, April 3, 2025 surrounded by his family.

Mr. Smith was born in Indianapolis, IN on June 21, 1940. Steven was the son of Lloyd and Elizabeth (Cobb) Smith.  He graduated from East Grand Rapids High school and then went on to Miami University in Oxford Ohio.  He received his BA in Economics and enjoyed his Beta Theta Phi Fraternity. Steve went on to earn his MBA from Miami in 1961. The best thing about his years at Miami was meeting his devoted wife, Barbara Lynn McDaniel.  Barb and Steve married in 1962 and moved to Grand Blanc, MI where Steve went on to enjoy an exciting career as a restaurant entrepreneur.  Steve’s friend, Richard Elias, was his business partner and had been a loyal friend since Steve and Dick were 5 years old.

Steve loved the Lord Jesus and we know he is now healthy and whole in heaven.  Steve served as an elder and trustee at First Presbyterian Church in Flint, MI and enjoyed serving as a board member of Young Life.

Steve and Barb married in Oxford Ohio on September 2, 1962. They were lovingly referred to as “Miami Mergers”.  Steve is survived by not only his wife and best friend Barb, but also 5 of their children, Jim and Cinda (Smith) Rachor, Julie (Smith) Palm, Stephanie (Smith) Day, Josh and Elizabeth (Smith) Cole, Tyler and Adair Smith, 23 grandchildren he loved so well and 4 great grandchildren, sister, Debi (Smith) Pitts, brother Churchill Smith, many nieces and nephews, and treasured friends.

He was preceded in death by his father Lloyd Enos Smith, mother Elizabeth Cobb Smith, sister, Patricia (Smith) Marley, infant son, Peter Andrew Smith, and son in law, David Kendall Palm.

A generous spirit, heart of service, and compassion for others characterized Steve’s life. May that  legacy be carried on by Steve’s children and grandchildren. 

The funeral service will be on Wednesday, April 16th, 2025 at 1:00pm at First Presbyterian Church 746 Saginaw Street, Flint MI 48502. The family will be receiving friends afterward from 2:00-4:00pm.

In lieu of flowers the family encourages gifts of love to Young Life or Transforming Futures (Guatemala).

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