Ross E. "Sonny" Smith, 80, of Lawrence passed away Wednesday, January 3, 2024 at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo.

Services celebrating his life will be held 1:00 P.M. Monday, January 8th at Duffield & Pastrick Family Funeral Home in Coloma where the family will receive friends beginning one hour prior to the service.  Burial will follow in Hill Cemetery in Lawrence.  Donations in memory of Sonny may be given to the Lake Michigan Beach Community Church.  Those wishing to leave an online message of remembrance may do so by using the "Guestbook" link located on this page.

Sonny was born January 2, 1944 in Manila, Arkansas to Ross C. and Loney (George) Smith.  He was formerly employed by Clark Equipment and Yerington Construction Company before retiring as owner and operator of Sonny's Welding.  In his free time he enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, dancing, and spending time with his family.

Sonny is survived by three daughters; Kimberly (Randy) Thompson of Sister Lakes, Kelly (Ron) Beam of Kalamazoo, Karla Smothers of Coloma, two sisters; Floreen Stevens and Hattie Derrick both of Coloma.  Also surviving are 13 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren, and a young lady, Kaity Burfield, whom he played the role of dad to.

In addition to his parents Sonny was preceded in death by his wife Mattie "Kathy" Smith in 2007, his son Kevin Smith, a grandson Lee Smith, and a sister Juleen James.