Obituary of J. W. Smithwick

Of Flint, age 85, died Monday, October 5, 2009 at Fostrian Manor, in Flushing. The funeral service will take place 11:00am, Friday, October 9, 2009, at Hopewell General Baptist Church in Flint. Pastor Scott Southerland and Dr. Leroy Jolly will officiate with burial to follow in Sunset Hills Cemetery, with military honors conducted by the VFW. Family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday, from 1:00pm to 8:00pm. On Friday, J.W. will be taken to church where he will lie in state from 10:00am until time of service at 11:00am. Memorial donations may be directed to Hopewell General Baptist Church. Envelopes are available at the funeral home and church. J.W. was born July 11, 1924 in Senath, Missouri the son of Mr. and Mrs. William and Linnie (Low) Smithwick. He and Wava Marie Pruder were united in marriage September 21, 1946. J.W. served his country during World War II with the United States Army. He worked at General Motors Ternstedt for 35 years as a tool and die maker, retiring in 1989. He served as a Deacon for Hopewell General Baptist Church for 49 years, and served the church in many other capacities. J.W. leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 63 years Wava, five children, Jerry and wife Muriel Smithwick, James and wife Kathy Smithwick, Jeffery and wife Linda Smithwick, Janet and husband Mike Helmer, and John and wife Marcia Smithwick, 14 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, brother Glenn and wife Margaret Smithwick, step mother Irma Smithwick Brooks, nieces, Shari Barr, and Michelle Hellenger, and many nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Herbert and grandson, Stephen.