08/19/2026
Corey "Jess" Smith
Corey Jesse “Jess” Smith, age 94, passed away peacefully on August 17, 2026. He was born on April 10, 1932, in Cedar, Michigan, and spent his early years in Haslett and Traverse City, Michigan, before eventually making Charlotte, Michigan, his home with his wife Lois, before her passing in 2011.
Jess was a graduate of Traverse City Senior High School and went on to attend Michigan State University, where he excelled as an athlete at both places. Throughout his life, he was a hardworking, generous, and community-minded man who found meaning in staying involved and helping others.
Jess was a longtime member of the Lions Club and Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church. He was also involved with mentoring programs, the Red Cross, and numerous volunteer efforts. He was known for going out of his way to make a difference in the lives of others, whether through volunteering, sending Christmas cards, yardwork, or simply being there for the people around him.
Jess had many interests and passions throughout his life. He loved watching sports, he loved hunting, he loved spending time at his up north cabin, spending time with his grandchildren, and took pride in owning a golf course in his early years. He treasured time spent with family and looked forward to his family reunions and the opportunity to bring everyone together. After many years of working, Jess eventually retired from Growers Service Agricultural Group, but he never truly stopped being active in his community or in the lives of those he loved. After his retirement he went on to work part-time for Russell and Schrader Insurance in Charlotte.
Family was an especially important part of Jess’s life. He is survived by his oldest surviving son, Corey Scott Smith (Julie). Corey Scott's children, Jess’s grandchildren, include Ryan (Abby) and Scott Smith (Nicole). Ryan’s children, Jess’s great-grandchildren, are Sonia and Ginny. Scott’s children, Jess’s great-grandchildren, are Micah and Lauren. He is also survived by his second oldest son, James Smith (Julie), and his next surviving son, Michael Smith. His youngest surviving son, Carey Smith (Christina), and their children, Jess’s grandchildren, are Jayden Mann (Brendan), Shayne Smith, Jasmin Pena (Blake), Augastine Mollette (Dallas), and Christony Pena (Ryan). Augastine Mollette’s children, Jess’s great- grandchildren, are Waylon and Maleana. Jess is also survived by his grandchildren Jake Smith and Chelsea Barton-Smith. He is also survived by his last remaining sibling, Dorothy Rhode, with whom he spent many of his summers and free time, along with many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Corey Smith and Frances Bartunek Wilsey Smith; his wife, Lois Smith; his son, Charles Smith; siblings Elenore, Raymond, Benjamin, Evelyn, Leonard, Marie, Beulah, Helen, and Jean; his grandson, Tyler James Smith; and other beloved family members.
Jess leaves behind a lifetime of memories, countless acts of kindness, and a family and community that will miss him dearly. His dedication to helping others, his love of family, and the many simple ways he showed he cared will remain a part of the lives of those who knew him.
More than anything, Jess will be remembered for the life he lived, the people he helped, and the lasting impact he made on the people fortunate enough to know him.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at 11:00 AM at the Lawrence Avenue United Methodist Church with Pastor John Messner officiating. The family will receive friends on Monday from 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM and from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday. Burial will take place at Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens.
Those desiring may make memorial contributions in Jess’s memory to Lawrence Avenue Methodist Church, 210 E. Lawrence Ave., Charlotte, MI 48813.
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