Jack R. Smith

Jack R. Smith, age 86, of Escanaba, passed away Monday morning, August 29, 2022 at OSF St. Francis Hospital in Escanaba. He was born on November 14, 1935 in Escanaba, the son of Viall and Goldie (Anderson) Smith. Jack was raised and attended school in Escanaba and was a 1953 graduate of Escanaba High School. He went on to enlist in the U.S. Army in 1954 and served his country until he was honorably discharged in 1956. Jack married the former Marcine “Marcy” Shaw on September 4, 1956 in Clarksville, TN and she preceded him in death on November 25, 2013. Together, the couple shared 57 years of marriage and raised 2 daughters, Wendy and Debbie. Jack started his working career at the Daily Press in Escanaba as the Advertising Manager before taking a job with Northern Motors in car sales. He then went to work for Mead Paper Company in the lab until his retirement in 1996. Jack was an avid golfer and was a member of numerous golf clubs in the area; he won many tournaments around the Upper Peninsula. He enjoyed reading western books, looked forward to morning coffee with his friends at Drifters (a special thank you to the girls working at Drifters), and was a frequent shopper at St. Vincent de Paul and Goodwill. For many years, Jack and Marcy enjoyed wintering in Yuma, AZ. Above all, Jack enjoyed spending time with his family.

Jack is survived by his daughters, Wendy (Tom) Way of Wells, and Debbie (Bob) Buffington of Lansing, MI; 5 grandchildren, Trudi (Jason) Forvilly, Tressa (Jeff) Derkos, Tyler (Danielle) Way, Amy (Steve) Casciotti, and Julie (Chris) Myers; 11 great-grandchildren; sister, Nancy Bruce of Escanaba; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and wife, Jack was preceded in death by his brother, James Smith.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., Thursday, September 1, 2022 at the Anderson Funeral Home in Escanaba. Military Honors will be conducted at 3:00 p.m., Thursday, in the Anderson Funeral Home Chapel with funeral services to follow with Rev. Steve Cowen officiating. A reception will be held at the conclusion of the services at the Wells Township Hall in Wells, MI. Burial will take place in the Gardens of Rest Cemetery. 

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