Jeffrey "Shorty" Dale Smith, 55, of Traverse City, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, July 28, 2024, at home with his loving wife and sons by his side. Jeff was born on January 26, 1969, in Livonia, Michigan, to James Douglas and Marlene Grace (Woehrmyer) Smith. His family moved to the Grand Traverse area in 1972, when he was just three years old to build Jellystone Campground, now known as Timber Ridge Rv Resort. He fondly remembered himself as a "Little Ranger" since his father was the "Big Ranger Smith."
Jeff graduated from Traverse City Central High School, class of 1987. He always loved playing with bulldozers and had a keen eye for design. His talents shone through in his work as a golf course shaper for Die Design, Furness and now Great Lakes Golf & Site Development. He contributed to the creation of several prestigious courses, including Highpoint, Boyne Mountain and Boyne Highlands, Bay Harbor, Thousand Oaks, Arcadia, the redesign of Oakland University, the Golden Eagle in Japan, and many other famous courses worldwide.
After reuniting with Stacy Ann Kucera, Jeff fell in love and decided to focus on designing locally to stay close to her. The two were married on June 18, 1994. Together, they lovingly raised two wonderful sons, Brandon and Tyler. For their 30th anniversary a few weeks ago, Jeff took a rare break during his busiest work season to go on a special anniversary camping trip with Stacy. They enjoyed the time together, Silver Lake dunes, and riding his Razor, making unforgettable memories.
In his spare time, Jeff enjoyed ripping his Razor, Harley, and riding his antique vintage snowmobiles and even still competed in racing them old things. Shooting his first buck mount with a bow just two years ago, He loved the outdoors and was in it everyday. Jeff had an incredible personality and never met a stranger. He made friends effortlessly, whether at the campsite next door, the bar, the U.P., or even at the grocery store. Jeff was a good human being, and everyone who knew and loved him cherished his presence.
Jeff will be deeply missed by his wife, Stacy; his sons, Brandon and Tyler; his Mom Marlene; his siblings Cathy (Dennis) Phillips, Laurie (Roy) Davis, in-laws, Ronald Kucera, Dustin (Dawn) Kucera, Anne Kucera, Beth Kucera, his beloved pets Harley and Ozzy and a crazy amount of awesome family members and friends he loved as family.
He is preceded in death by his father Jim and his sister-in-law Marcie.
A celebration of his life will take place at 1pm on Sunday, August 4, 2024 at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral home with a visitation beginning at noon. Please wear your favorite Harley Shirt in his honor. If you are not able to attend you can watch his service at rjfh.tv or you can watch the recording at your convenience on his webpage. Memorial contributions may be directed to the family.
Kindly share stories and memories of Jeff at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com . Jeff's legacy of love, friendship, and kindness will live on in the hearts of all who loved him.