Obituary of Edward Lee Smith, Sr.

Edward L. “Bobby” Smith, Sr., 79, of Niles, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 18, 2021 at his residence, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on October 26, 1941 in Gobler, Missouri to the late Ernest and Edna (Cox) Smith. Edward, also known to many as Bobby and Smitty, worked for many years at Clark Eqiupment in Buchanan, Coop Steel in South Bend and then retired from the Southeast Berrien County Landfill Authority in Buchanan. On June 27, 1961 he wed Almarie Canady at a ceremony in Cleveland, Arkansas. The couple recently celebrated sixty years of marriage. He will be remembered for his sense of humor, his gift of storytelling and his ability to make friends with everyone he came in contact with. Edward was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Deborah Smith-Rodriguez; his brothers, Richard Starnes, Hugh Smith and J.C. Starnes as well as his sisters, Vilee Lauderdale and Naomi McCall. Edward is survived by his loving wife, Almarie "Ree" Smith of Niles; his children, DeAngela “Ann” Smith of Niles, Edward “Ed” Smith, Jr. (Patty Barnhart) of South Bend, Anthony “Tony” Smith of Niles and Reginald “Reggie” Smith of Niles; twelve grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren and his siblings, Ethel Cox of Kansas City, Missouri, Dorothy Allen of Niles, Gloria Nelson and Mary Nelson, both of Kansas City, Missouri and Mamie Daniels of Hattiesburg, Mississippi. He will also be missed by a host of nieces, nephews and countless others. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, August 29, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at Brown Funeral Home in Niles with a time of visitation one hour prior. An interment will take place at Silverbrook Cemetery on Monday, August 30, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. The family of Edward Smith would like to thank Heartland Hospice for their care and concern during their journey. Memories of Edward may be shared with his family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com where his service will also be livestreamed. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Niles.