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Powell T. Smith, PG Class of 1964
Died June 6, 2025
Powell Thomas Smith passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family and dear friends that are family.
Always affectionately known as “Smitty, Smitman, Miff and Bruddy; his demeanor and familiar nicknames always made others feel immediately at ease. Smitty leaves his wife, Nell: daughter Maggie (Greg), grandsons Tom and Ed Mielczarek: son JP, granddaughters, Evie, Fern, and Ingrid Revel. His daughter, Jenny (Beni) with grandchildren Louis and Kim Fischer who reside in Basel, Switzerland. A beloved nephew, Willy Cardin (Dana) with children Hank and Eleanor, from Nashville, TN. Last but not least, his dog, Cece.
His parents Clara Mae Powell Smith and William Thomas Smith, along with his sister Bettie Jo Cardin from Fort Thomas Kentucky predeceased him.
An athlete for life, Smitty played football at Highlands High School in Ft Thomas Kentucky, Greenbrier Military School, and the University of Kentucky. Golf was a passion as well. Though it wasn’t noticeable, he was a strong competitor. He coordinated annual golf outings with lifelong Kentucky friends as well as his regular Thursday men’s day at Leland CC where his humility and good nature almost made losing to him a good time.
Smitty had a kind soul and a gift of making you feel special and seen. He never envied anyone, but was happy for others good fortune. He was a true Southern gentleman who valued tradition and class, always stood for a lady and would hold the door open for all. He was quiet, confident, and patient. He was like a safe harbor, listened without judgement and was always there when needed.
Always humble, he was a role model for many young men. His grace made all around him feel at ease and comfortable and once you were in his circle, he had your back for life. If you were lucky enough to be in that circle, you could be the subject of many practical jokes. His greatest joy was to make people laugh. When emotions were high, Smit could diffuse any stressful situation into laughter to lighten the mood. Teamwork was always the name of the game. A salesman by nature, it came easy to manage his wife’s art career.
He helped start The Leland Business Association, worked successfully in Real Estate with loyal clients, worked and enjoyed his group at AA helping as best he could. He was a Board Member of the Leland Public Library and The Old Art Building for years and helped both to become what they are today. He was excellent at lending a hand, caring for others and leading by example, quietly.
We ask in Smitty’s honor, you take a moment to slow down, smile at a stranger, give an extra tip and say hello to a passing dog. Extend yourself in kindness to your community for the greater good. Rest easy, Smitman.
A Celebration will be held for Smitty on Wednesday August 13th at the Leland Country Club at 2:00 PM, followed by a reception at his home along the river in Leland.
If you want to make a contribution in his honor, The Old Art Building, The Leland Public Library and Lake Leelanau Lake Association would be high on his list.
Please share condolences with the family at www.martinson.info [2].
Arrangements are with Martinson Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Leelanau.