Kermit Edwin Smith III

Kermit "Bud" Edwin Smith III, 59, of Twin Lake, passed away on Friday, June 19, 2026, after a battle with cancer. Born on August 21, 1966, in Wichita Falls, Texas, he was the son of Kermit Edwin Smith Jr. and Dolores Ann (Maberry) Smith.

Bud grew up with the rhythm of a military family and graduated from Rome Free Academy in Rome, New York, Class of 1985. He later earned an associate's degree in business from Muskegon Community College. While serving in the United States Army, he trained at Redstone Arsenal and was stationed in Germany as a missile systems repair specialist. It was there he met Anita Jimenez, the love of his life. They were married on Valentine's Day, February 14, 1991, and built a life together marked by devotion and quiet strength.

After his service, Bud worked as a laser specialist for years and later spent roughly a decade as a welder at Howmet, where he took pride in steady hands and a job done right. When cancer made continuing impossible, he transitioned to Social Security Disability, facing each day with determination.

To his family and friends, he was Bud or Buddy; friends from New York sometimes still called him Kermit. He was not a long, drawn-out type guy. He loved making things simply because they interested him-woodworking projects like cornhole boards, a dice tower, games, and furniture filled his days and the homes of those he loved. He found joy in smoking meats and cheeses, first with a large smoker and later with a tabletop version when that became easier. He even experimented with playful choices like spam and Cheez-Its. Festivals and traveling with his family brought him happiness and adventure. He and his son traded recipes and made mead together, savoring the slow craft and the time shared. Fishing on small lakes brought him peace; he once chartered a boat on the big lake with his son, often saying he never fished enough.

Bud's faith became very important to him, and he was part of Blue Lake Community Church. He appreciated the camaraderie of community organizations, was a member of the NRA, and had ties to the American Legion. His favorite hymn was "Amazing Grace," and he enjoyed Delta Blues and Southern Fried Rock. In his younger days he loved going to Rock Concerts with his wife.

Bud is survived by his wife, Anita; his son, Brian; Daughter-in-law, Ashley; and grandchildren, Parker and Jayce; his brother, Tom Smith; his sister, Crystal Smith; He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will begin at 1:00 PM, followed by the funeral service at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at Blue Lake Community Church. Military honors will be provided at the church by the Muskegon County Council of Veterans. Interment will take place on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at Fort Custer National Cemetery. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to share a memory or sign the online guestbook