IN LOVING MEMORY OF

Dwight Ralph

Dwight Ralph Smith Profile Photo

Smith

July 19, 1945 – June 27, 2025

Obituary

Dwight R. Smith, 79, died Friday, June 27th, 2025 at his home in Dearborn, Michigan after battling cancer for 6 years. He was born in Mount Holly, NJ on July 19, 1945 to Ralph & Doris (Johnson) Smith. He married Susan J. Nagle on November 13th, 1965. They eloped in Elizabeth City, North Carolina and were married for 59 years. They could often be seen wearing matching plaid or t-shirts.

He is survived by his wife, Susan; their three sons and their spouses, Dwight & Karen, Matthew & Linda, and James & Kathy; three grandsons, William & his wife Erienne, Chaz & his wife Lacy, and Jonathan; three granddaughters, Ashley, Sara, and Hannah; one great-grandson, Rowan; and one great-granddaughter, River. He is also survived by his brothers, Roger and his wife Terry, and Brian and his wife Dianne.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Ralph & Doris, and three grandchildren, Hudson, Jessie, & Arron.

He graduated with a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania and went on to build a 38-year career at Ford Motor Company. During his time there he enjoyed his work as a supervisor of product development, where he was involved in testing vehicles under extreme conditions. His passion for cars extended well beyond his professional life. He proudly owned two Mustangs, which he loved working on and showcasing at local car shows that he organized.

He enjoyed working with his hands and was always looking for ways to make or improve something. From building furniture and creating macramé to adding practical features to the home, like a custom closet, he approached every project with care and creativity.

A devoted member of Dearborn Christian Fellowship, he served faithfully as the church's building manager for ten years. One of his most meaningful contributions was helping to design and build the church's coffee house, a warm and welcoming space that continues to bring the congregation together. He also had a deep love for worship music and served behind the scenes on Sunday mornings by running the lyric slides, supporting the worship team and making it easy for everyone to sing together.

His faith and hope in the resurrection of Jesus is summed up perfectly in the chorus of his favorite song: Glorious Day by Casting Crowns:

"Living, He loved me. Dying, He saved me.  Buried, He carried my sins far away.  Rising, He justified freely forever.  One day He's coming.  Oh glorious day!"

Visitation will be Saturday, July 5, 2025 from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm. The funeral service will begin at 1:00 pm.  All services will be located at Dearborn Christian Fellowship: 21360 Donaldson St, Dearborn, MI 48124. There will be coffee and desserts following the service. Burial will be at St. Hedwig Cemetery 23755 Military Rd. Dearborn Heights, MI 48127 on Monday, July 7, 2025 at 1:00pm. please meet at the mausoleum.

Memorials may be given to Dearborn Christian Fellowship - 21360 Donaldson St, Dearborn, MI 48124, https://www.dearborncf.com/give

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Dwight Ralph Smith, please visit our flower store.

Funeral Services

Visitation

July
5

Dearborn Christian Fellowship Church

21360 Donaldson Street, Dearborn, MI 48124

11:30 am - 12:30 pm

Funeral Service

July
5

Dearborn Christian Fellowship Church

21360 Donaldson Street, Dearborn, MI 48124

Starts at 1:00 pm

Burial

July
7

Starts at 1:00 pm

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