Regis ‘Reggie’ Smith, age 85, of Yale, MI passed away peacefully on Friday, November 3, 2023, with his loved ones by his side, at the Blue Water Hospice Home in Marysville, MI. Regis Ralph Smith was born July 28, 1938, in Dover, OH. He was the son of the late Russell and Marjorie Smith, also of Dover, OH.
He was married to Bonita Iris Southward on March 26, 1960, in Angola, IN. They celebrated 60 years of marriage together in 2020. He was a devoted husband to “Bonnie” and was preceded in death by Bonnie in September of 2020. He was also preceded in death by his sister Marty Jane Smith of Dover, OH in September of 1999.
Reggie was a valued schoolteacher at Yale Public Schools for 29 years and taught chemistry & physics, he also served on the Yale Public Schools Board of Education for many years. He retired from teaching in 1993. He was a well-loved Driver’s Training teacher, at Yale and other nearby school districts, which he enjoyed to the fullest. Reggie also taught Hunter’s Safety classes for many years. Regis served his country in the U.S. Navy for 4 years and retired as a Commander for the U.S. Naval Reserves in 1993. Regis was an avid Ohio State fan and loved watching as many of the college football games as he could. Reggie also had a love for the outdoors; he enjoyed walking and hunting.
Regis is survived by his two sons, Randal (Susan) Smith of Roseville, MI, Russ (Esther) Smith of Yale, MI; 5 grandchildren, Brandon (Danielle) Smith, Jordan (Kayla) Smith, Calvin (Joey) Smith, Kenton Smith, Brieanne (Rob) Wolvin; 10 great grandchildren, Oliver, Sawyer, Jaelyn, Leah, Keira, Spencer, Milo, Reed, Hannah and Ryleigh.
Graveside services and a Veteran’s Salute will be held 1 p.m. Wednesday, November 8, 2023, at the Elmwood Cemetery, Yale, MI.
The family will gather for visiting after 12:30 p.m. at the Elmwood Cemetery, Yale, MI.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Muir Brothers Funeral Home of Imlay City, 225 N. Main Street, Imlay City, MI.
Please be sure to sign our online register book at www.muirbrothersfh.com to share your memories and condolences with the Smith Family.
