Irving Neil Smith

Irving Neil Smith, age 77, passed away on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at Eaton Community Palliative Care. He was born on March 19, 1949, in Lansing, the son of Ida (Smith) Miller.

Irving graduated from Charlotte High School with the Class of 1967. He faithfully served his country in the Army National Guard. On November 25, 1968, he married Sharon Pierce in Pennfield Township. He later retired after many years of service from General Motors in Lansing.

He enjoyed the simple pleasures of life and found happiness in the things he loved most. Irving enjoyed chuckwagon style cooking, spending time around a campfire, woodworking, collecting Mountain Dew memorabilia, collecting hats, and working around the farm. Irving was a longtime member of the Northwest Michigan Draft Horse and Mule Association. He was also a man who shared what he knew, and he taught his family everything he knew. Of all the things he valued in life, his proudest accomplishment was his family.

Irving is survived by his wife of 57 years, Sharon; son, William Smith of Manitowoc, Wisconsin; daughter, Suzalyn Nelson of Charlotte; honorary daughter, Moana Fuller; grandchildren: Elizabeth Smith, Chelsea Smith, Dominique (Zach) Spagnuolo, Will Smith, Lucas Nelson, Marcus Nelson, Justin Nelson; great-grandson, Emmette Smith; honorary granddaughter, Bri Banfield; siblings: Dan (Janette) Miller, Doris (Doug) Ewing, Doug (Betty) Miller, Darlene (Chuck) Cowling, Dewayne Miller, Dwight (Mary) Miller; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ida and Chester Miller; son-in-law, Matthew Nelson; sister and brother-in-law, Wanita (Art) Clark; sister-in-law, Kim Miller; and niece, Cherish Cook.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2026 at 3:30 P.M. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 2 P.M. to 3:30 P.M. prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Fort Custer National Cemetery at a later date.

Those desiring may make contributions in Irving's memory to the Northwest Michigan Draft Horse and Mule Association, 4700 Wallaker Rd, Benzonia, MI 49616.

To view Irving's obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com