Earl Wager Smith's Obituary
Earl Wager Smith, 87, of Jackson Michigan passed away January 19, 2025. Earl’s family and friends will gather 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Thursday January 30, 2025, at Eineder Funeral Homes – Michigan Center Chapel 820 5th St. A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m.- 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 31, 2025, at the Lansing Avenue Baptist Church with his funeral service follow at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Steve Sebring serving as celebrant.
Earl was born on May 29, 1937, in Leoni Township, Michigan to David and Ida (Barrett) Smith. He grew up in Leoni Township on the family farm on Smith Road. Earl graduated from Jackson High School in 1955. When he was laid off in September 1958, he went on to serve his country proudly from 1958-1961 in the United States Army. He then married the love of his life, Alice Coy Holdridge at the Lansing Avenue Baptist Church, in 1964, Jackson Michigan. After serving his country, Earl was employed for 41 years, at Goodyear Tire & Rubber Manufacturer, working in several departments. He also drove for East Jackson schools for 13 years as a bus driver, where he was known for caring for each and every child that he drove. He will be remembered as a prankster, sharing his “dad” jokes and caring deeply for his family, especially the grandchildren. Earl was the expert in the family genealogy and compiled a multitude of information on family members, including their photos. He often missed eating at the family reunions because he was proudly describing each family member and loved sharing his knowledge.
Earl enjoyed being a member of SOARS (Steelworkers Organization of Active Retirees) and the Steelworkers, going to breakfast together and later when those began getting less active, started organizing breakfast for the family, especially the cousins.
Earl will be missed by his children, Earl (Heather) Smith II, Illa Smith and Amy Smith; siblings, Thomas Smith and sister-in-law Janet Smith and many other in-laws; grandchildren, Earl Smith III, Eileen(Stephen Hamilton) Smith, Colleen (Jon) Childrey; great grandchildren, Jack Lee Childrey and Joan Kay Childrey; many nieces and nephews and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents, David and Ida, his loving wife, Alice, his brother David, infant brother, Charles Smith and sister, Grace Boley .
Memorial contributions are suggested to The Lansing Avenue Baptist Church. Please leave a message of comfort for Earl’s family or sign his guestbook at www.EinederFuneralHomes.com.
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