Alfred G. “Al” Smith, 86 of Athens, died peacefully surrounded by his family on April 5, 2011. Al was born March 28, 1925 in Marcy, New York to Dr. T.C. and Dulcie (Grantham) Smith. He was a WWII veteran of the Marine Corps serving in the South Pacific as a Staff Sergeant with the VMF 222, Corsair squadron. On June 15, 1947 he married Margaret (Doubleday), and together they devoted their time to family, friends and the community. He retired from Clark Equipment Company in 1982 and enjoyed many hobbies including fishing, golfing and travel. Due to his love of the outdoors, in 1994 he established a non-profit organization, Friends of the St. Joe River, along with help from his wife, to preserve and promote the river. He was named Director Emeritus of the organization on June 10, 2002. Surviving are his wife, Margaret; daughters: Christine Smith of Portage and Rebecca (David) Martin of Clinton; son: Richard (Linda) Smith and granddaughter: Stephanie Smith of Land O’Lakes, FL along with many nieces and nephews. At his request, Al will be cremated and visitation will be held at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home on Sunday from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. A memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday at the funeral home with Rev. Kelly Hadlich officiating. Interment with military honors will follow at Fort Custer National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Friends of the St. Joe River Association, Inc., P.O. Box 1794, South Bend, IN 46634 or Borgess Hospice, 348 North Burdick Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49007.
