Arlie Smith

SMITH, Mr. Arlie "Sug", "Smitty" - Age 73, passed away Saturday, July 2, 2011 at Fostrian Nursing Home. Family hour 1:30 p.m. Friday, July 8, 2011 from the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, 906 W. Flint Park Blvd., with funeral service commencing immediately at 2 p.m. Pastor Wallace Hill III officiating. Interment Sunset Hills Cemetery, G-4413 Flushing Rd. Friends and pallbearers will assemble at the funeral home 1:30 p.m. Friday. Mr. Smith will lie in state in the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, and may be viewed from 2-8 p.m. Thursday. Mr. Arlie Smith,was born on August 6, 1937 to the union of the (late) Robert and Cuggie Smith in Flint, Michigan. Arlie was educated in Flint Public Schools and graduated from Northern High School in 1956. Arlie accepted Christ at an early age and professed his Baptist faith throughout his life. He met and later married the late Janice McGowan in 1965. They were true friends and constant companions, who enjoyed their life together until she was called home to be with the Lord in 1981. This 16-year union was blessed with three children. Arlie had a reputation even as a young man, of being very industrious and always worked very hard to provide for himself and his family. He was a proud worker who gained employment at the GM Chevrolet Truck and Bus plant, where he was a steel worker for 33 years. No words can describe Arlie better than vivacious. He truly enjoyed life and had a passion for playing billiards, traveling and dining at his favorite restaurants across the metro Detroit area. He was known for his jovial personality, his sharp sense of humor, his unique laugh, and his love of soda pop. He was also very generous in nature and constantly expressed his faith in the Lord, who he fondly called ‘the Kind Master.” He shared some of his happiest years of his life with his fiancée and love, Violet Warner-Eldridge. He affectionately referred to her as ‘Vi-Vi.’ They were inseparable and enjoyed the fondest of memories with their families, as they shared in many enjoyable holidays, trips and other forms of entertainment together. In recent years, Arlie experienced a stroke, and over the last four years was challenged by failing health. However, he was courageous and put forth the best face for his family. A week before his death, he told his family that he could hear the angels singing and peacefully expressed his gratitude and goodbyes to his cherished loved ones. He leaves to cherish his memory, his longtime companion and fiancée, Violet Warner-Eldridge of Flint; six loving children, Vincent (Rhonda) Smith, Missionary Karen (Elder James) Lewis, Lisa Smith, Portia (Donnie) Odom, Latrelle Eldridge and Jamille (Tim) Richardson; two sisters-in-law, Patricia Nelson of Flint and Wilma Jean Green of Louisiana; brother-in-law, James Daniels; six grandchildren, Darrick Smith, Genita Smith, Christopher Smith, Vincent Smith III, Ebonee Smith and his granddaughter Janisa Nelson, with whom he shared a very special bond; seven great grandchildren; favorite nephew, Douglas Smith of Atlanta, GA; nieces, Gloria Smith and Alesia Daniels; special spiritual daughters, Monya Hairston, Olive Mitchell, Belinda Palmer, Patrice Edwards and Deadrea Smith; longtime and faithful friends, Deacon Hank Thomas (close friend/spiritual advisor), Elder Alvin Eubanks of De Kalb, MS and Charles Logan of Martinsburg, W. Virginia. Mr. Smith was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Cuggie Smith; wife, Janice; sister, Mary A. Daniels; brothers, Edward “Baby”, Robert “Bobby” and Floyd “Nooney”, and Leroy “Boots” Smith; nieces, Debra Vickers and Maria Daniels; and nephews, Robert "Reco" Smith, Edward "Little Bobby" Smith and James "Poochie" Daniels. The family would like to express a special thank you to caregivers, Gentiva Home Health Services/Physical Therapy, Medula, Mary Dozier, Krista, Kiki, Tasha, Ms. Maxine, Donnell, Monya Hairston, Belinda Palmer, the entire staff of Avalon Hospice, compassionate hospice nurses Shannon, Jennifer, and Linda, Shell Family of Detroit, Pastor James Wells and the Mt. Zion C.O.G.I.C. of Saginaw, MI, Pastor Wallace Hill III and the Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church Family, and a host of many others including the entire staff of Fostrian Manor who provided superb care to “Mr. Arlie” during the time he was there. He will be sorely missed by all.

Arlie Smith

August 6, 1937 - July 2, 2011