Dave Smith, 84

David J. Smith, age 84, of Sturgis, passed away Tuesday evening, Jan. 26, 2021, at Promedica Coldwater Regional Hospital in Coldwater.
He was born Aug. 6, 1936, in Grand Rapids, a son of the late Clarence Justice and Beatrice Marie (Borrink) Smith.
Dave resided in Sturgis since 1970, coming from Allegan, where he was a graduate of Allegan High School with the class of 1954. He furthered his education at Ferris State University in Big Rapids and Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo.
On April 22, 1961, he married Jean E. Carlson in Allegan. She preceded him in death June 1, 2005. On June 28, 2008, he married Sharon (Deppong) McKillen in Sturgis.
Nearly all of Dave’s working life was involved in the automobile business. He had worked as a sales manager at Koestner General Motors dealership in Plainwell and for 50 years owned and operated Dave Smith Pontiac, Buick and GMC in Sturgis. Following the sale of the dealership, he and Doug Stanke established Smith and Stanke Auto Sales in Sturgis, a business in which he stayed active until recent years.
He was proud to have served his country in the U.S. Army Reserve. Dave was always active in his community. Some of his many involvements include memberships in St. John’s Episcopal Church, Sturgis Rotary Club, B.P.O. Elks #1381, Klinger Lake Country Club, Beacon Club in Kalamazoo and Wild Cat Country Club in Estero, Fla. He also served on the Sturgis Public Schools Board of Education. Dave enjoyed playing golf and tennis, attending car auctions and had a passion for automobiles. He truly appreciated a good conversation with friends.
Dave had hobbies and involvements, but what made him happiest was time spent with his many friends and the family he loved.
He is survived by his wife, Sharon McKillen Smith; two daughters, Kim (Jeff) Sovine of Sturgis and Kelli Smith of Atlanta, Ga.; two grandchildren, Brad (Sara) Sovine of Berkley and Stephanie Sovine of Kalamazoo; two great-grandchildren, Benjamin and Brody Sovine; a stepson, Michael (Rhonda) McKillen of Canton; a stepdaughter, Amy (Jason) Harber of Roseville; five step-grandchildren, Madelyn Harber, Max Harber, Patrick McKillen, Matthew McKillen and Brady McKillen; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Jean; a sister, Marilyn Fish; and two brothers, Roger Smith and Richard Smith.
In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place. Due to conditions with the COVID-19 pandemic and limitation of gatherings, a memorial service celebrating and honoring the life of David J. Smith will be held at a later date, to be announced.
Hackman Family Funeral Homes of Sturgis is entrusted with arrangements.
The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mr. Smith’s memory consider Dave Smith Endowment Fund, c/o Sturgis Area Community Foundation, 310 N. Franks Ave., Sturgis, MI 49091. The fund will be dedicated to serving the needs of St. Joseph County residents by reducing barriers to transportation.
His obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com, where relatives and friends may share memories and leave condolences for the family.