Craig Smith

Craig Trucks Smith, 74, of Traverse City, passed away unexpectedly in his sleep at home Friday, August 1, 2025. He was born on December 30, 1950, in Alma, the son of John Nathaniel and Bernice “Bea” (Trucks) Smith.

Craig graduated from St. Louis High School in 1969 and attended Ferris State College for two years, studying Business.

He moved to Traverse City in the early 1970s and resided in Grawn. There he met Sue Ann Lord when she moved from Harbor Springs. Craig and Sue were both raised in St. Louis, MI, and went to school together. They reconnected and fell in love. They were married on February 27, 1978, in Traverse City. Craig always loved working with the public. He loved being social. He had fond memories of working at Sugar Loaf ski resort. Always talking about meeting interesting and new people. He also worked for various local car dealerships. He then became a route driver for Frito-Lay. He enjoyed meeting people at the stores he delivered to. He retired from Frito-Lay after 15 years. Later, he decided he wanted to be a driver for BATA. He always talked about the people he drove around. Sharing memories of the people he helped get to doctor appointments or helping someone get their groceries. He would often carry the groceries to their door if it was difficult for them to do on their own. Which technically you’re not supposed to do. He bonded with the ladies that reminded him of his mother-in-law, Doris. She lived with them for a time, and you could see the love he had for her. You could see it by the way he cared for her. Frequently, he would also have funny stories to share with his family about an interesting day on his bus. He had several ladies that would bring him baked goods, which he always enjoyed. During COVID, he decided to retire for good after five years. He wanted to be able to enjoy more time with his wife and family.

Craig was a Boy Scout leader when his son John was younger. He would talk about the fun camping trips they went on and that he enjoyed helping John earn his badges. He always said it meant a lot to get to spend that kind of time and experience with his son. His younger son, Justin, loved hockey and wanted to be involved with that instead of the Boy Scouts. Craig was very active when their son played hockey. Remembering many road trips traveling around Michigan to watch Justin play the sport he loved so much! Craig and Sue always cheered him on.

Craig was a wonderful craftsman and skilled woodworker. He would make furniture for people he knew. One time he built a wooden crib for one of the granddaughter’s dolls. This was passed down to the granddaughters who came after. One time he created a small armoire for one of his granddaughter’s American Girl dolls. He built both his sons gun cabinets. For several years, the family would take a vacation to Canadian Lakes and rent a cottage on the lake. Craig would drive the pontoon around the lake and talk about all the time he spent here when he was a kid. It was a special place for him. He would teach the grandkids how to fish off the dock. Fishing was something he loved and shared with his brother, Mike. Mike would come up from North Carolina and the brothers would fish for hours on the Betsie River. Something he ended up sharing with his sons. He also loved playing golf. He would talk about the good times he had golfing with both his sons and daughter-in-law, India. Just hanging out and having a beer, while playing a game we weren’t all too bad at. He also loved having his long talks with his daughter-in-law, Jennifer. If we had a family get together, you would always find those two enjoying each others company. And Craig loved to paint everything Craftsman Red. You could tell this by looking in his garage, which he named “Papa’s Shop”. He teared up sometimes when he would tell a story about his beloved wife, Sue. One particular story he teared up every time. It was the moment he knew he wanted her to be his wife. Then there are the stories that made them both laugh out loud. Like their honeymoon in Aruba and a trip to Toronto when they saw a show. It was something beautiful to hear.

Craig was a very kind man with a love of people. He was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. We will forever find specks of red paint and always think of him. He will be so missed.

Craig is survived by his wife, Sue Ann (Lord) Smith of Traverse City; sons, John (Jennifer) Smith of Mesick and Justin (India) Smith of Traverse City; grandchildren, Halle, Nathan, Addison, and Emry; grandpup, Penelope; brother, Michael (Connie) Smith of North Carolina, and nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Bea, and granddaughter, Kaitlyn Smith.

Contributions may be made to the Cherryland Humane Society, Traverse City.

An informal visitation and light food reception will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon on Friday, August 15, 2025, at Life Story Funeral Home. A celebration of life ceremony will start at 12:00 noon. Please visit www.lifestorytc.com to share your thoughts and more.