Gordon Clyde Smith, 87, of Garden, MI passed away on February 23, 2022. He was born in Alma, MI on February 25, 1934, to James and Lucinda (Godwin) Smith. A hard-nosed athlete at Alma High School, he attended Western Michigan University on a football scholarship, graduated from Alma College and then earned a Master’s in Public Health Administration from the University of Michigan. He was the recipient of numerous honors gained from both his extensive work in the health field and published articles on health care. During his tenure he created comprehensive health education plans in eight locations. He was also the Executive Director of the Mid-Michigan Health Systems, Executive Director of Cost Containment for the Memphis Business Group, Director of the Ozarks Areas Business Group on Health and a Senior Manager with the Tennessee Valley Authority in the research and analysis of insurance fraud. The pinnacle of his career was collaborating with a group of international medical professionals to create a top ranked medical school in Abha, Saudi Arabia. He held memberships in the Memphis Rotary Club, the Masons, and the Shriners. A deep regret of his was that the restrictions from the massive stroke, prevented him from using his knowledge of public health to help keep the COVID crisis under control. After retirement he sold real estate in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, was on the Big Bay De Noc School board and served on the Garden Ambulance Authority. He was preceded in death by his parents, eight siblings, and wife Melissa Williams Smith. Survivors include sons Steven Smith of Chinquapin. NC, Michael (Brenda) of Estro, FL, Patrick (Pamela) Smith, of Maple Valley, WA, and Jason (Teel) Foster of Rockport, ME. Stepsons Mies (Beth) Martin of Grand Rapids, MI, Marc Martin of East Lansing, MI, and Chris Martin of Kailua-Kona, HI. He is also survived by sisters-in-law Marilyn Jean Smith, Margaret Ann (Robert) Shoals, and Elizabeth C Williams. Eight grandchildren, five great grandchildren, nephews, nieces, and cousins. Gordon loved life, family, friends, and every moment he spent flying as a licensed pilot. There will be no service, however his ashes will be scattered on Brockway Mountain on the Keweenaw Peninsula. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Lux-Moody-Wolfel Funeral Home, Alma. To view Gordon’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit www.luxfuneralhomes.com
Published by Morning Sun on Mar. 1, 2022.
