Gray W. Smith III (“Buck”)
Gray William Smith, III (“Buck”), 66, of Lansing, Michigan, passed away on August 3, 2023. Gray was born on August 25, 1956, at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, Michigan. He grew up in Potterville, Michigan, where he worked on the Nightengale farm and at Carl’s Supermarket, played football, baseball, and basketball, participated in Boy Scouts, and was active in the youth fellowship program at the Potterville United Methodist Church. Gray was active in numerous extracurriculars and could often be seen tooling around town in his turquoise International Scout. Gray graduated from Potterville High School in 1974, where he was a member of the National Honor Society and Varsity Club.
Gray married Denise LaFave (now Smith) in 1975, with whom he had two children: Heather Ann Nostrant of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan and Holly Ann Smith of Cohoctah, Michigan. After their divorce, he married Rebecca Ells (now Bala), with whom he had two children: Gray William Smith IV (“Levi”) of Saginaw, Michigan and Cassandra Marie Smith (“Casie”) of Mulliken, Michigan. He was blessed with 8 grandchildren: Austin Smalley of Vermontville, Michigan; Dalton Smith of East Lansing, Michigan; Curyn and Carter Nostrant of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan; David and Kalin Smith and Brianna and Raeann Williams of Sunfield, Michigan.
Gray was an enthusiastic sports fan, who especially loved MSU and chiding Michigan fans. He was an avid KISS fan, who loved music and deejaying. Golfing and fantasy football were favorite activities. He had a wicked sense of humor and loved practical jokes.
Gray was predeceased by his father, Gray William Smith, Jr. Also surviving him are his mother, Sandra (Morrissey) Smith of Potterville, Michigan, and sisters Debie (Tim) Compton of Portage, Indiana and Jodi (Tony) Barnes of St. Joseph, Michigan.
A Memorial Service for Gray will take place on Saturday, September 9, 2023, at 1pm at Sycamore Creek Potterville Campus with Kathy Dobie officiating. The Family will receive friends on Saturday beginning at noon until the time of service. Arrangements are by the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel
7 Messages to “Gray W. Smith III (“Buck”)”
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Alicia
August 10, 2023 at 10:07 pmHeather and Holly I’m so sorry prayers for both of you. Love Alicia
Suzanne and Bruce Willard
August 15, 2023 at 11:28 amSuzanne and Bruce, send all their love to the family. Bucky was such a good friend of mine. I wish he was here. Sorry had to pass away he was so young. My son felt so bad when I told him about Bucky he said he knew Bucky from the visits and the funeral of grandpa, he said it was a nice guy and really enjoyed it being with him and he gave him he gave Scott a big hug , Lucky, love music I know he’s writing songs in heaven. Please save a spot for me. We love you,Bucky
Jill Maynard-Gidner
August 15, 2023 at 11:33 amHeather and Holly, I am so very sorry for your loss.
Richie and Karen Barnes
August 15, 2023 at 1:05 pmWe were so shocked and saddened to learn about Bucky’s death. We have lots of memories of him here in Saint Joe, and know that his absence is going to be felt for a long time by so many of the people with whom he became friends. His Fantasy Football skills were remarkable!! He loved Abar and Ashley so much and they him. Our sincere condolences to his children and grandchildren who mourn his loss. And to Sandi, Jodi and Debi we hope your joyful memories of Bucky ease your pain. Sending you our love.
Richie and Karen Barnes
Kathy
August 15, 2023 at 4:53 pmMy prayers go out to Sandy at the sudden and tragic loss of her son; and to Jodi and Debie at the loss of their brother. And also to Bucky’s children and grandchildren. So sorry for all of you. May God bring you comfort during this time of great sorrow.
Holly M.
August 15, 2023 at 6:21 pmYou were always a lot of fun to work with. I’ll forever miss our Frappe days! Rest in heaven, Greystoke!
Tim Compton
August 15, 2023 at 11:32 pmBuck was my brother in law for over 42 years! That’s a lifetime, so why does it feel so short? In one of our last texts, I gave him a new name, this was his reply.
“Haaaa. Brobifinbuck is the best one yet.”
That was his text. Yes, he had a great sense of humor that went along with his taste in music! Rest easy Buck, we’ll see you before you know it!