Murray Eugene “Gene” Smith, age 87, of Chelsea, MI, passed away at the Chelsea Retirement Community on July 7, 2021. He was born in Ann Arbor, MI on September 5, 1933, the son of Murray J.A. and Juliette Josephine (Wines) Smith.
Gene grew up in Ann Arbor and graduated from Pioneer High School. He proudly served in the US Army during the Korean War. In 1958, he married Gertrude E. Wente, and in 1972 they moved to Inverness Golf Course, where he and Gertrude were life-long members. He enjoyed playing in the Inverness Golf Men’s League, as well as playing cards every Wednesday night in the “Fraternal Order of Euchre” league. He was passionate about conservation and nature and was a member of Ducks Unlimited, Whitetails Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, the Chelsea Rod and Gun Club, and the Ann Arbor Moose. He was also a member of the Dexter American Legion. Gene was the founder and sole proprietor of Pinnacle Engineering in Manchester, MI, operating it for 51 years.
Gene is survived by his son, Bradley (Julie) Smith of Manchester; four grandchildren, Cory (Sam) Smith, Trevor Smith, Steve (Lindsey) Henes, and Tim Henes; five great-grandchildren, Logan, Emersyn, Max, Mason, and Michael; sister, Diane (Kenneth) Smith-Harrison of Plymouth; and sister-in-law, Patricia Smith of Ann Arbor. He was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Gertrude Smith, his daughter, Leslie M. Smith-Figg, and brother, Gary W. Smith.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 10, 2021, 11:00 a.m., at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, with Rev. Kathy Schell officiating. Burial will follow at North Lake Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Friday, July 9, 2021, 6-8 p.m. Those wishing to make a donation in Gene’s memory may do so to the Chelsea Rod and Gun Club, PO Box 382, 7103 Lingane Rd., Chelsea, MI 48118.
