Garland “Smitty” Smith

Published 6:00 am Friday, September 6, 2024

July 24, 1932 – September 1, 2024

Garland M. Smith “Smitty”, 92, of Dowagiac, passed away peacefully, with his family by his side on Sunday, September 1, 2024 at his home.

The family will receive guests from 10am until the time of celebration of life at 12pm, Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at Clark Chapel, 405 Center St., Dowagiac, Pastor Boyd Saylor officiating. Burial with military honors to follow at Riverside Cemetery, Dowagiac.

Garland was born July 24, 1932 in Hoxie, AR to Lewis David Smith and Rosa (McCord) Potts. He proudly served four years in the Navy from 1952-1956. He soon married Geraldine Wilson on December 23, 1956 in Hernando, MS. In the late 1950s, Garland started a life-long career with the Harding’s Supermarket family. He helped develop stores over his years, serving as a passionate and meaningful mentor to many. Garland was actively involved in numerous groups in the Dowagiac area, including Am-Vets, the VFW, Moose Lodge and Eagles Club.

In his spare time, especially in retirement, you could find Garland outdoors, doing what he loved the most, gardening, traveling, hunting and fishing with family and friends.

Garland will be missed by his children, Rodger (Deborah) Smith, and Donna (Steven) Bourne; his grandchildren, Ashely (Richard) Kirkpatrick, Matthew Smith, Brittany Bourne, and Marissa Bourne; his great grandchild, Logan Kirkpatrick; and his siblings, Virginia Bonner, Easter (Gene) Rosenblum, and Darrell (Frances) Smith.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Geraldine Smith; his siblings, Phineas Smith, Otto Smith, Mary Graham, Martha McCafferty, Raymond Smith, Jerry Smith, Cecil Smith, Emaline (Lawrence) Ashlock, and Noble (Eunice) Smith.