Wayne Smith

A true handyman at heart, Wayne Smith fully immersed himself in whatever he was doing whether he was working on the clock or taking care of projects for numerous people in his life. He was a snappy dresser who knew how to dress for any occasion whether formal or informal. Wayne was a savvy businessman with a strong work ethic and a career as diverse as a colorful mosaic. He enjoyed traveling to a variety of places, yet it was being surrounded by his beloved family that he treasured most. Whether he was enjoying a relaxing day out on the links, cheering on his granddaughter in her softball game, or enjoying a leisurely breakfast with friends, Wayne brought so much light and life to the world in which he lived. The thirties were a trying time for America as the Great Depression continued to leave many Americans without jobs, without homes, and even without hope. The year 1936 was a year in which Franklin Delano Roosevelt was re-elected, Gone With the Wind was written, and the most decisive labor struggle of the decade was underway involving auto workers in Detroit and eventually, across the nation as well. This was an exciting year in the family of Arthur and Mildred (Rettenhouse) Smith as they were celebrating the birth of their son, Wayne Arthur, on September 15th. Wayne was born in Muskegon, Michigan, as one of six children in his family including four brothers and one sister. He was raised in the family home in Fruitport Township where he enjoyed a typical childhood with all of his brothers. Wayne attended Muskegon Heights Public Schools and graduated from Muskegon Heights High School. During his younger years he loved riding motorcycles and participating in enduro races. Wayne was quite talented in his sport too as he won many trophies in area races including those held in Bridgeton and also several in Lansing at the Jack Pine Enduro as well. Waynes life was forever changed when he went to a local roller rink one day. It was while he was there that he met the young woman with whom he would create the family he adored. Her name was Maxine Cook and it was love at first sight. After dating for a short time, Wayne and Maxine were married when she was just 17 and he was 20. It wasnt long before the newlyweds became mother and father with the birth of their daughter, Georga, in 1957. They were later blessed with the births of their sons, Jeffrey in 1958, and Terry in 1959. Wayne and Maxine raised their family on the southeast side of Muskegon near Hile School. Wayne supported his family at Dresser Industries where he started out as a welder and later, he became an electrician who was also involved with the union. Over the years, Waynes career incorporated a variety of different business ventures. He began businesses such as an ice cream shop, a precision tune shop, a laundromat, and a dry cleaners, just to name a few. Wayne got these businesses up and running and then sold them. He also returned to Dresser intermittently throughout his career as well. No matter what he was doing, Wayne always worked hard so much so that his son Jeff referred to him as a work-a-holic. Along the way, Wayne became quite the handyman who liked to help friends out with projects when time allowed. Once his children were grown, life took Wayne down a few different paths. Wayne and Maxine enjoyed traveling together, most notably taking cruises just for fun. During the mid-eighties, however, Waynes marriage came to an end. He moved in with his son Jeff for a time before finding a place of his own. Wayne retired in his mid-fifties, although his retirement years were for anything but relaxing. He always had great amounts of ambition and liked to keep busy, so Wayne took on more handyman projects for people. His son Jeff rehabilitated houses, and Wayne often helped him out. Jeff even made a daddy do list for him! Wayne was quite regimented when it came to the work he did, and he treated these projects like a regular job. So much so that he even took a lunch break during which he listened to Paul Harvey on the radio. It was his work as a handyman that led Wayne to find love for a second time. He completed a job for a woman named Kendra Dobb and right from the start, they seemed to hit it off. Before long, their relationship became permanent, and he moved in with her. Although they never officially married, Wayne became part of her family, forming close relationships with her children and grandchildren. In fact, Wayne loved being a grandfather and spending time with all of his grandchildren, including Kendra's, rarely missing any of his granddaughters softball games. There were several things that Wayne and Kendra loved to do together. Some of their favorite times were spent traveling, often on cruises. They also participated in the Mackinac Bridge Walk held on Labor Day a few times. Wayne and Kendra purchased a small trailer in Florida where they spent their winters. They always stopped to visit his daughter on the way down and on the way back in the spring, they always made a stop in Branson, Missouri. Wayne and Kendra also enjoyed going out to eat. They were part of a regular breakfast group at Ninos Inn. On Fridays, you could often find them eating fish dinners at the Masonic Lodge or at other local favorites. One of the things Wayne most liked to do with his time off later in life was golf. He played on several leagues around town, usually at Hickory Knoll Golf Course. Wayne even loved to try out all of the latest gadget clubs in an attempt to improve his game. While he was in Florida he also regularly satiated his love for golf by playing on several leagues there as well. It was while he was in Florida that Waynes health rapidly deteriorated over a short period of time. Sadly, he was unable to recover. Wayne Smith was an ambitious man who worked hard, but enjoyed having fun as well. He delighted in spending time with his loved ones as often as he could. Wayne always liked to look his best with clothes that were neatly pressed, always ready for any occasion. He created a lifetime of precious memories that will be forever treasured by those he leaved behind. Wayne A. Smith died Wednesday, December 30, 2009. Waynes family includes his daughter, Georga (Nasheed) Smith-Bowens of IN; sons, Jeffery Smith of Muskegon, Terry Smith of Lake City; grandchildren, Ashley, Gabriel, Alix-Andria, Chloe, Collin; special friend, Kendra Dobb; sister, Norma (Hollis) Stephens of TX; brother, Don (Dot) Smith of Fruitport, Kenneth (Sharon) Smith of White Cloud, Reggie (Shelly) Smith of Montague, Robert (Sue) Smith of Muskegon. A service will be held on Monday, January 4, 2010, 11:00 a.m. at Clock Life Story Funeral Homes Muskegon location Muskegon, MI, with Rev. Ken Shady officiating. Visit with Waynes family and friends on Monday, 1 hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.