Smedley, Frederick (Fred)- of Davison, MI went to be with our lord on November 21st 2024 peacefully at home surrounded by family after a long battle with heart disease. After 73 years of a joyful life on earth per Fred’s wishes cremations has taken place. A mass will be celebrated at 1pm December 3rd at St. John’s the Evangelist Catholic Church, 404 N. Dayton St., Davison, MI 48423; Rev. Fr. Andrew A. Czajkowski celebrant. The family will welcome visitors at 12 noon for one hour prior to the mass. In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations be made in Fred’s name to Outreach East in Davison, MI.
Born March 13th, 1951, in Flint, MI the son of Donald Smedley and Joan (Pruchnicki) Smedley. Born and raised in Flint, MI, Fred attended St. Agnes Catholic School K-12 Graduating class of 1969. Where he thrived as an athlete playing football and running track. This is also where Fred’s incredible sense of serving flourished. Fred enjoyed helping others with odd jobs, remodeling homes, and fixing anything he could, these services were his passion, and he never expected anything in return. Fred loved running and ran daily, he participated in the 10 mile Crim race in Flint 17 times. Fred was a proud member of the Laborers’ International Union local 1075 and a majority of his career was spent as an on-site foreman with Sorensen and Gross Construction. Fred married Marilyn (Anderson) August 26th 1997, they spent 27 wonderful years enjoying life together. They took many amazing Caribbean trips and spent great summer vacations in northern Michigan with friends golfing. Fred gained two daughters Courtney and Caron when marring Marilyn and they were one of his greatest joys in life. He treated them as his own and they made many memories together, camping, fishing, and spending the holidays together. Twelve years ago, Fred became a grandpa to his favorite girl Delila AKA “Happy”. They were buddies from the start. He taught her all his quarter tricks and shared many flashlight parties. He enjoyed every minute with her. They ended every visit with a goodbye elbow kiss. Although the last years of Fred living on earth were a struggle, he did not lack a full life. Fred was known as kind, loyal, patient, and a gentle soul that made a huge impact on everyone he met, he will be greatly missed by his many lifelong friends and his family.
Fred is survived by his loving wife Marilyn, daughters Courtney (Justin) Bessolo, and Caron O’Reilly, his granddaughter Delila, Siblings Nancy (David) Harbin, Beth (Bob) Farage, Martha Preston, Lucy (John) Higgins, and Don Smedley, Two Brother In-laws Bill Anderson and Jim Anderson, Nephews Tim (Nicole) Higgins and Tyler( Erica) Higgins and many special friends. He is proceeded in Death by his Parents Donald and Joan Smedley, Mother In-law Wilma Anderson and Brother in-law George Preston. A special thank you to hospice nurses Bonnie and Marg that helped the family with Fred’s comfort care through the final days. Their knowledge and compassion are appreciated more than any words can express.