Randal “Randy” Alan Smith, 73, of Blanchard, Michigan, passed away peacefully on the morning of September 29, 2026, with his loving family by his side.
Randy was born on April 8, 1953, son of Jimmie and Ruth (Sandbrook) Smith. He graduated from Montabella High School in 1971. Following high school, Randy worked at the bag factory in Edmore before beginning his apprenticeship with Ironworkers Local 25 in 1973. He proudly remained a member of Local 25 for 53 years and worked for Douglas Steel throughout his career.
Randy was a proud Blanchard man who loved his community, his family, and the simple traditions that made life special. He was an avid Detroit Tigers and Michigan fan, and enjoyed hunting and fishing, but perhaps his greatest joy came from watching his family participate in school sports. He never wanted to miss a game, activity, or accomplishment involving someone he loved. And if he absolutely had to miss something, you could bet he was on the phone during asking what the score was and wanting every detail.
His grandchildren were his entire world. Randy was deeply involved in their lives and was always there to cheer them on, support them, and make sure they knew how proud he was. He loved spending time with family and friends, sharing a cup of coffee, telling stories, and simply being part of the lives of those around him.
Many mornings, you could find Randy at TG’s Party Store enjoying his coffee and visiting with friends. He also looked forward to Blanchard Days and the Steam Show—events that were traditions to him and ones he rarely, if ever, missed. These familiar places, familiar faces, and familiar stories were all part of the life he loved.
Randy will be deeply missed by his sons, Brandon (Leslie) Smith and Ryan Smith; his siblings, Tim (Diane) Smith, Tom (Gloria) Smith, Lynn (Mari) Smith, his sister Debbie (Rick) Walkington; his grandchildren, Joseph Smith, Landon Smith, Brenden Smith, and Helena Clark; and his cherished great-granddaughter, Freya Smith.
He was preceded in death by his parents, great granddaughter Emersyn Smith and his nephew, Mike Walkington.
Randy leaves behind a lifetime of stories, memories, laughter, and love. His family will forever remember the man who showed up, cheered the loudest, asked about the score, and made sure the people he loved knew they mattered. His presence will be deeply missed, but the love he gave his family will continue through every generation.
A memorial service honoring Randy’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 4, 2026, at the American Legion, 8803 SW County Line Road, Blanchard, Michigan 49310, with Patti Hicks Officiating. To honor his legacy family kindly requests, that all wear Detroit Tiger’s or Michigan gear in his memory.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be directed to the Blanchard Millpond.