Giles Orton “Smitty” Smith, age 88, of Battle Creek, died on Thursday evening, January 4, 2007, at the Lifespan Good Samaritan Hospice Residence, following a lengthy illness.

Smitty was born on March 29, 1918 in Ludington, MI and was the son of Orton and Tekla (Larsen) Smith. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II having served his country as a Staff Sergeant during the European-African-and Middle Eastern Theaters and was awarded a Silver battle star. Smitty retired in 1981 as a foreman for Eaton Corporation after 29 years of faithful service. He enjoyed fishing on St. Mary’s Lake and in the surf in Florida. He loved to garden, do small carpentry projects and woodworking. Also, he was never without his faithful companion, Jocko, the dog.

Smitty is survived by his wife of 61 years, Marion K. “Molly” (Adair) Smith; a son: Alan J. Smith of Battle Creek; two brothers: Francis and Charles; a sister: Iva; two step grandchildren; four step great grandchildren; a former daughter-in-law: Pat Smith and many nieces and nephews.

At the request of the family, the memorial service to celebrate Smitty’s life will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 9th at 1:00 PM at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home with Father Chris Yaw, Associate Rector of St. Thomas Episcopal Church of Battle Creek, officiating. Interment will follow in Hicks Cemetery, Pennfield Township, with military honors provided by the U.S. Army. Memorial contributions in Smitty’s honor may be made to the Lifespan Good Samaritan Hospice Residence, 5470 Glen Cross Road, Battle Creek, MI, 49015.