Samuel Smith passed away March 5 ^th, 2021 at the age of 73.

Beloved husband of Linda Hawley Smith for 47 treasured years.

Loving father of Brandy Myers (Ryan Myers) and Samuel E. Smith, Jr. (Jennifer Butler).

Proud grandfather of Tyler and Matthew Myers and Savannah Butler.

Dear brother of Chauncy Smith, Dennis (Brenda) Smith, Kenneth Smith and the late Raymond R. Smith.

Loving brother-in-law of James (Lynne) Hawley, Rick (Melinida) Hawley, Jack (Cheryl) Hawley, Anne Smith and the late Deborah Hawley and Susan Smith.

He also leaves behind his dear nieces, nephews, aunts and many cherished friends.

Sam was born to Chauncey and Helen Smith on June 3, 1947 at St. Charles Hospital in Oregon Ohio. He grew up with his brothers Chauncy, Dennis, Kenneth and Raymond. Sam graduated from Northwood High School in 1965 and then began his 42 year career as a locomotive engineer with Pennsylvania, Conrail and Norfolk Southern railroad. Not too long after this, he was drafted into the Army and was sent to serve in Korea.

Upon his return to the states, he resumed his job at the railroad where he made many life long friends. One these friends had a beautiful daughter, Linda, that Sam had his eyes set on. When he finally built up the courage to, he asked her on a date. She didn't hesitate to accept! Two years after they took off to Las Vegas where they were married in 1974.

In The 47 wonderful years they spent together, they had 2 beautiful children, Brandy and Sam Jr. His family was the center of his world. He was the ideal father and husband. He taught his children morals, ethics and many valuable life skills. The three of them never had a doubt of just how important they were to him.

During the day, Sam spent as much time outside as he could. He was a very meticulous man and liked things to be just so. The 3 family vehicles would always be perfectly detailed. And the lawn, flawless. He loved working in the yard, especially when he would see a friendly face approaching.

The whole neighborhood knew Sam, and Sam knew them. He would strike up a conversation with any and everyone. He never met a stranger. His charm and charisma could win over anyone. Being witty with a great sense of humor, you could always count on him for a good laugh. You could also count on him to help with anything you needed. Selfless and kind, Sam would take care of the yards of people who were unable to do for themselves.

One of the biggest gifts that Sam gave to his children and their friends was unconditional love and support. As one friend put it "He was everybody's pops." His caring, mentoring and support had a huge impact on so many. He nurtured the confidence within each one of them. He was always there to listen without judgment and give advice where needed. Nobody could have been a better role model.

One of Sam's other passion was reading. He was intelligent and continuously building on his knowledge. Every week up until the pandemic shut down, Sam would be at the library choosing which topic he was going to study until his next visit.

To say that Sam was one of a kind is an understatement. There really are no words that can do justice to a man whose influence was so profound. There is nobody who could compare to a man that was so caring and generous with everyone he met. Someone who could throw a one liner without a skipping a beat. He will be missed by anyone who was fortunate enough to have had him in their life.

You can honor Sam everyday. Enjoy the sunshine. He sure did. Think of him when you are outside taking care of the yard. Nobody did it better. Look up. Give a smile and a nod when you hear a train whistle or the crack of a bat. And when you see a Corvette well...

If you would like to honor him with a memorial donation, please do so to the following organizations that he loved and supported.

Friend of the Library Dearborn.

American Cancer Society.

Or a donation can be made to the family to go toward the purchase of a memorial bench in the back yard that he loved so much.

Donations for the family can be sent to Howe-Peterson and they will be forwarded to the family.

22546 Michigan Avenue

Dearborn, MI 48124

22546 Michigan Ave

Dearborn, MI 48124