George James Smith

George James Smith, age 69, was called home to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, April 23, 2015. He was born in Walker Township, MI, attended Spring Lake High School and graduated from High Point High School in North Carolina. He then went on to graduate from Kendall College of Art and Design. George worked for Hekman Furniture for many years as Director of Design and also worked as a freelance furniture designer. He was a kind and loving man with a great sense of humor. George had a love for the outdoors, especially boating, hunting, and fishing. He had an appreciation for several genres of music, but had a special love for the piano. Above all, George’s creativity was woven into every aspect of his life, which allowed him to use those gifts in many special ways. He will be lovingly remembered by his daughters, Courtney and Chris Minor, Ashley and Sam Jones, Dori and Todd VanderMeulen; 6 grandchildren; sisters, Janet and Don Pell, Marti Twomey; brother, Bert and Debbie Smith. A Celebration of George’s Life will be held on Thursday at 1 PM at Matthysse-Kuiper-DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Drive SW with Pastor Don Pell officiating. Relatives and friends may meet the family on Thursday from 12-1 PM at the funeral home prior to the service.

Leave Your Tribute Message

April 30, 2015

Dear Family, My sincere sympathy to all of you in the loss of George. I remember him so well. He was always very thoughtful and genuine. He was so unique with his many interests and appreciation of the arts. He will be deeply missed by all of us as we celebrate our 50 years as classmates. May your loving memories of him bring you peace. Karen (Campbell) Jungslager

- Karen Jungslager

April 28, 2015

To Georges family I express my deepest sympathies. I graduated with George from Spring Lake High in what seems like forever ago..It was such a shock to me to hear of his passing. It is with fond memories that I remember George and the wonderful conversation we had at the last class reunion. He was the guy with all of the creative talents. It was about 4 months ago when I had been in contacted with him and I was so looking forward to a conversation with him in September. God bless and keep you and remember the great times with George Clive Francis Class of 1965

- Clive Francis

April 28, 2015

Dear Bert, Janet and Marti and all of George's cherished family and friends! My deepest sympathy and prayers go out to all of you. George was a special friend and I am so thankful I have great memories to look back on. Heaven is an even more beautiful place today because he is one God's talented angels and will brighten it even more if possible, with his sense of humor and creativity! God Bless each and every one of you during this difficult time! Celebrate him! That is what he would want! Love to all of you at this time and always! Lynne

- Lynne O'Keefe

April 25, 2015

Our deepest sympathies and condolences to George's family and friends. He was a special guy and will surely be missed. We always looked forward to seeing him at our Spring Lake High School Class of '65 Reunions. Sadly, there will be an empty chair this coming September (50th). May God bless all of you and give you strength during this time and always. That will be our prayer!

- Larry & Cathee Coats Lemke