Obituary: Harry Richard Smith, 90, of Ludington

Dick Smith

Harry Richard Smith, known as Dick, 90, passed away on September 20, 2026, surrounded by his family, following a brief illness.

Dick was born in Ludington, on May 17, 1936, to Beatrice Young Smith and Harry Gordon Smith. Dick spent his entire life in Ludington. He attended Ferris State College before enlisting in the United States Army and serving 3 years,1958-1961, stationed in Germany. Upon returning to Ludington, he worked at his family business, Ludington Plumbing Company (established in 1909), alongside his father and eventually became the third-generation owner and operator of Ludington Plumbing and Heating. He was a knowledgeable and skilled boiler installer and master plumber.

Dick loved God, serving in leadership, attending church with his family and having a meal altogether afterwards.  Dick was also very passionate about Big Sable Point Lighthouse and was instrumental in its restoration at a time when action was required to save it. It was an immense undertaking and a labor of love, and many others joined in to support the effort.  In 2017 Dick was given the Shining Light Award from the Lighthouse Association in recognition of his ongoing efforts.

The Smith family had history in Manistee, where the original plumbing and electrical company was located. The Smith Tree Farm purchased in 1897 has been enjoyed by generations of Smiths. Dick’s parents resided there after retirement and eventually Dick and Ruth loved spending time there a well.

Dick is survived by his wife, Ruth Z. Smith; his daughters, Anne Smith (Mike Zdrodowski), Amy Smith Bennett, Susan Filter (Hal); stepson Brent Campbell (Vicky); grandchildren, Joshua Zdrodowski (Allie), Sarah Cole (Patty), Noah Zdrodowski (Piper), Samuel Bennett, Meredith Tamminga (Lucas), Kathryn Filter, and Hannah Filter (Owen Wojcicki); great-granddaughter Eloise Tamminga; sister Kaye Helbing-Smith; niece Alice Helbing; step-grandchildren Cameron Cambell, Taylor Barke (Keith), Tammy Sorenson (Dylan) and Ryan Stever (Elida), Ryder, Weston, Lucas and Adrian.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Beatrice Smith; infant brother, Gardner Young Smith; uncle, John Smith; aunt, Neva Smith; infant cousin, John David Smith; and cousin Norman Smith. Dick was previously married to Marianne Gibbs Smith who passed away in 2019.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at 1 p.m. at Grace Funeral Home, with visitation beginning at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Please join the family and share your stories about “Plumber Smith” as they celebrate his 90 years of hard work, service and adventures.

Donations in Dick’s honor can be sent to Lakeshore Keepers. PO Box 673, Ludington, MI 49431.

Arrangements were entrusted to Grace Funeral Home and Cremation Services, www.GraceCremations.com.