Guy Raymond Smith Jr. of Brighton, Michigan was born June 9, 1931 in Chicago, Illinois and died August 29, 2013. Beloved husband of Carol for 55 years. Loving father of Ruth (Ron) Kadykowski and Russell. Loving grandfather of Ronnie Kadykowski.
Mr. Smith started his 28 year career in business as a field agent with the IRS. He held positions in underwriting and tax analysis with Chrysler Corporation, Manufacturers Life, and Federal Mogul Corporation. Retiring from Federal Mogul in 1986 as a tax accountant. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Accounting (1958) and a MBA (1976) both from Michigan State University. He had also completed work toward a doctorate of history at Michigan State University.
Guy was highly dedicated to community service with involvement in the Boy Scouts of America, a variety of community musical organizations and the City of Novi. He served as councilman for the City of Novi from 1977 to 1983. Guy was actively involved in politics serving as campaign manager for mayoral, council and school board candidates in Novi. He also acted as political advisor for multiple county and state level candidates. Recipient of the "Distinguished Citizen" award from the City of Novi in 1975, he was given a "Special Tribute" by the 83rd State of Michigan Legislature in 1986.
Guy's dedication and love of music started at an early age and continued on throughout his life. Studying at the Chicago Conservatory of Music and the Vandercooke School of Music, while still in high school, he eventually studied music as a student at Michigan State College and was a member of the marching band. He has played with the Chicago Symphony, Gross Point Symphony, Mount Clemens Symphony and conducted both the Livonia Community Band and St. Clair Shores Symphony.
In 1971 he founded the Novi Community Concert Band and served as conductor until 1980, he rejoined the band in 2009 as a musician member playing tuba. In 1979, Guy joined the Fifth Michigan Regiment Band as conductor and music arranger. The Civil War reenactment group has performed at many events throughout the United States under his 34 years of dedication, friendship and leadership.
Guy's interest in history and music came together in his genealogical research and heraldry. He published the history of one branch of his family - Captain John Smith and his wife, Margaret - from 1698 to 1978, and also published transcriptions of Civil War music for a Brass Band.
Guy was a dedicated husband, father and grandfather. In his free time he enjoyed traveling and with his wife Carol to historic spots around the world.
He was a member of the Augustan Society; Hereditary Order of Armigerous Augustans; Society of Mayflower Descendants; Colonial Order of the Crown; Plantagenet Society; Magna Carta Barons; Heraldry Society of the USA; Society of Descendants of Knights of the Most Order of the Garter; Missouri Historical Society, and Phi Mu Aplha.
Visiting hours will be held from 9:30AM - 11:00 AM on Saturday September 7th at O'Brien/Sullivan Funeral Home, 41555 Grand River Avenue, Novi Ml 48375-1822. Followed by a memorial service held at 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM on Saturday, September 7th at O'Brien/Sullivan Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be directed to
www.angelahospice.org/
.