Obituary of Paul Bradley Wilson Smith

Paul Bradley Wilson Smith We all knew Mr. Smith as "Brad" or "Bradley". At the age of 85 years young, he lost his battle with a brief term of pneumonia and a long time battle with heart disease. On April 9, 2015, God took Brad by his hand and said, "It's time to go Bud." With his significant other, (Marie Jean Smith) of 29 years at his side (at 7:25 a.m.), he left on his beautiful journey to God's garden. Brad was born January 8, 1930 in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. He went to school in Mr. Pleasant but quit school in the 8th grade to go to work. Brad was a very hard worker at everything he did. He worked in the oil fields with his dad and two brothers, Robert and Geo. Brad worked at many jobs until Brad and Geo, both auto mechanics, got into the Mobile Gas Station in 1968 and started the Smith's AAA Road Service in Chelsea, Michigan. Later they left Mobile, went to Lima Center outside Chelsea on Old US 12. Brad and Geo opened a small business widely known as Smith's AAA Road Service. Later in 1982 they sold the business and both moved north for their retirement in Manton, Michigan. Brad enjoyed bowling and hunting of all kinds. He often went out west on hunting trips with his fellow friends. Brad loved fishing in his boat (STELLA"P") on Lake Michigan…always going for "The Big One". Brad belonged to a few clubs and was a life member of the VFW Post #4076 of Chelsea, Michigan and a life member of VFW Post #3033 of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. Brad has been a member of the Lake City American Legion Post #0300 for 43 years. He was also a member of Moose Lodge #3531 in Cadillac, Michigan for 28 years and was a member of the Grand Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons of Michigan, Lake City #408 for 24 years. Brad always loved to tinker on vehicles and was a proud American Veteran of the US Army the (Korea Conflict) World War II; 1948 - 1954. In 1955, Brad married Stella Pauline Spencer of Beaverton, Michigan. After 31 years, Pauline lost her battle with pancreatic cancer. Brad was a lung cancer survivor. After the loss of Pauline, he found his significant other, Marie Jean. In 1990, Brad and Jean started to become "snow-birds", going to Punta Gorda, Florida, where they decided to settle. Surviving Brad is his youngest brother Rev. David S. Smith and family of Heath, Ohio. Also, Brad leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews and their families. Brad also leaves behind his significant other Marie Jean and his two lovable dogs Sammidean and Toby. He is truly missed by all. Brad was predeceased by his parents, Gary and Irene Smith, his wife Stella Pauline (Spencer) Smith, three sisters; Ruth Margret, Virginia Sue, Elizabeth Eleanor Smith and four brothers; Robert, James, George and Marion Smith. Brad spent his last few days at TideWell Hospice Home in Port Charlotte, Florida They provided care, comfort and compassion in Brad's final hours. Arrangements are by Charlotte Memorial Funeral Home, Cemetery and Crematory. Cremation has taken place. Brad's remains are being taken back to Lake City, Michigan for a memorial service on June 27th at the Eagles and the Masonic Memorial and the American Legion at 1:00 p.m. His final resting place will be by his wife and his graveside service will be at Dale Cemetery in Beaverton, Michigan.