Leslie Dale Smith, 79 years old, of Swartz Creek, Michigan, met his Lord and Savior on April 19th, 2026 after battling courageously with an extended illness.

He was born on May 8th, 1946 in Flint, Michigan, one of ten children to Marion Russell Smith and Zella Irene Hesser. Leslie joined the Church of Christ in 1972.  Leslie proudly served his country in the United States Navy and later retired from the National Guard. He spent his working years in Skilled Trades at Buick Assembly in Flint where his craftsmanship and dedication were well known.

A lifelong learner, he taught himself to build almost anything. He had a passion for cars and motorcycles, loved hunting and firearms as a long-standing member of Linden Sportsmen Club and The Grand Blanc Huntsman's Club, and cherished every moment spent in the outdoors. He was an avid history buff, an amateur chef who enjoyed cooking for family and friends, an excellent horticulturist as a Master Gardener, and a devoted animal lover, especially to Sam & Precious. Above all, Leslie was a man of faith who was led to Christ by his devoted wife and lived his life guided by the Bible.

He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Sandra, his three children, David (Shari) Smith, Tonya (Scott) Sutter, and Sonya (Richard) Lakey, two grandsons, Noah (Yvonne) Smith and Seth Sutter, one granddaughter, Tabitha Sutter, and one great-grandson, David Smith. He is also survived by his brother Gerald Smith, great-nephew Logan Smith, and many nieces and nephews who will carry his memory forward forever.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Temrowski Funeral Home in Fenton, Michigan. A private Committal Service will be held at the family’s request where Leslie will be interred at Great Lakes National Cemetery.

Leslie will be remembered as a devoted husband, generous father and grandfather, proud Veteran, skilled craftsman, and a man who found joy in simple things - faith, family, and the outdoors.