David Lee Smith "Bozie"

Mr. David Lee Smith ”Bozie", age 81, passed away Sunday, August 10, at Lavigne Home in Burton, Michigan. Born May 15, 1945, in Saginaw, Michigan, to Ritz Moore, he was raised by his adoptive parents, James H. Smith and Donna Lee Smith, who resided in Vassar, Michigan, until they relocated to Saginaw.

Bozie resided in Saginaw and later moved to Georgia. He was a member of Bethlehem Baptist church while living in Savannah, Georgia, and Antioch Lithonia Church in Atlanta, Georgia. He graduated from Vassar High School and went on to Delta College, where he received his associate’s degree and then went on to graduate from the University of Michigan with a BA in Social Science.

Bozie started his career at the Grey Iron Foundry and worked as a salesperson. He later utilized his skills developed in college and became an influential teacher for 30-plus years. He was a Lover of classical Jazz, enjoyed playing chess, shooting pool, swimming, and his favorite, singing, laughing, and talking. He was an avid reader of the scriptures, especially Psalms and the book of Romans. He learned much about history and eagerly shared it with others. David was a charismatic, intellectual who loved meeting new people and always loved writing poems for those he met. He was very personable and would communicate with anyone.

He leaves to cherish his children, two sons, and three daughters: Derek Smith, Antawn Perkins, Kimberly Smith-Warren, Deidra Smith-Cooper, and Sonya Smith. Sister, Yarbra Rand, and first cousin Nancy Jo. He also had several stepchildren, 17 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren. Bozie also leaves behind many other relatives and friends, including his best friend, Professor William “Bill” Ketchum; one brother-in-law, Kyle Rand, and son-in-law, Willie Warren

Bozie was preceded in death by his mother, Ritz Moore, and Guardian Mother Donna Smith and Father, James Smith, four brothers, Jeffery Holiday, Reuben Holiday, Milton (“Po Sam”) Holiday and Tony (“Papa”) Smith, two sisters, Louise Smith-Derden and Sabrina Smith; a vast number of nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to express a special thank you to Janelle Tyson, Greg Tyson, Aunt Josephine Haynes, Roxanne, Tanya “Pookie” Holiday, Leo and Elijah, Chansome, his sisters, and many other friends and valued associates to whom he cared deeply for and those who cared for him, including the Entire staff of nurses with Compassus and Lavigne Home.