Mr. Curtis B. Smith Sr.

***NOTE: A SERVICE IN LOVING MEMORY FOR MR. CURTIS B. SMITH, SR. WILL BE HELD WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3, 2026, AT THE GALILEE BAPITST CHURCH. THE DOORS OF THE CHURCH WILL OPEN AT 10:00 A.M. FOR VISITATION. ***PLEASE SEE VISITATION & SERVICE TIMES AND LOCATIONS BELOW ***NOTE: MASKS AND HAND SANITIZER CAN BE PROVIDED BY REQUEST. ________________________________________ ***ATTENTION TO THOSE WHO WOULD LIKE TO VIEW SERVICES ONLINE YOU HAVE (4) OPTIONS TO CHOOSE FROM: 1. Go to Galilee Baptist Church's website at: gbckazoo.org -Or 2. Go to YouTube and type in The Galilee Baptist Church Lives Stream -Or 3. Go to Facebook, if you have a Facebook account. after logging in, type in Galilee Baptist Church -Or- 4. Use the GBC App, Instagram or Twitter _________________________________________ ***NOTE: THE DVD MEMORIAL TRIBUTE WILL BE AVAILABLE SOON _________________________________________ The Obituary Curtis B. Smith, affectionately known as “Brother,” passed away on Thursday, May 21, 2026. He was born on April 9, 1945, in Money, Mississippi, to the late James Arthur Smith and Hellon Trussell Smith. Curtis moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan, in 1968, where he built a life centered around family, hard work, and community. Curtis dedicated many years of service to Parker Hannifin. Never one to sit still, he embraced his entrepreneurial spirit following retirement by pursuing his passions and creating businesses that reflected his personality and talents. Curtis founded The Rookie Man, a business inspired by his passion for barbecuing. He became known for his delicious barbecue sauce and signature seasoning, which were enjoyed by many. His cooking brought people together and created lasting memories around the table. In addition to his barbecue business, Curtis also owned and operated International Best Clothing Store. Curtis was preceded in death by his beloved parents, James Arthur Smith and Hellon Trussell Smith; his wife, Mary Faye Smith; his son, Curtis B. Smith Jr.; sisters, Jerlene Redmond and Ruby Stuckey; brother, General McArthur Smith; nephew, Otha Smith Jr.; great-niece, Taigan Bradford; and great-nephews, Marsavious Frazier and Anthony Tyrese Stuckey. Those remaining to cherish his memory include his wife, Delois Smith of Bastrop, Louisiana; his daughter, Kyra Smith of Kalamazoo, Michigan; his son, Sammie Ray of Mississippi; five grandchildren, Nia Faye Smith of Michigan, Niko Bridges, Natane Smith, Curtis B. Smith III, and Morrissette Smith of Texas; and 12 great-grandchildren. Curtis cherished the special bond he shared with his three bonus daughters: Belinda James of Indiana, Christine (Reginald) Pippins of Georgia, and Gerri Berry of North Carolina. He is also survived by his loving siblings: Otha (Coretta) Smith of South Holland, Illinois; Betty Frazier, Pallene Bradford, and Joyce Smith of Kalamazoo, Michigan; Percy (Cindy) Smith of Portage, Michigan; and Sally (Al) Smith Adams of Moore, Oklahoma. He is also survived by his special friend, Doris Hoskins, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends. Curtis will be remembered for his outspoken nature, charming personality, entrepreneurial spirit, and deep love for his family and friends. His legacy will live on through the many lives he touched, the memories he created, and the life experiences he shared with those around him.

Mr. Curtis B. Smith Sr.

April 9, 1945 - May 24, 2026