N. "Don" Smith

Norval "Don" Smith, 87 of Bellaire, died peacefully Apr. 18, 2017 at home. He was born July 29, 1929 in Bellaire, the son of Norval and Helen (Dewey) Smith. Don was a longtime math teacher and administrator at the Bellaire Public Schools. He was also a basketball coach there for many years. He loved to teach the students in the classroom and in their extracurricular activities. In his spare time Don enjoyed golfing. He owned and operated several golf courses in North Carolina and Florida. Don also owned and operated the Bellaire Golf Course for many years. On February 9, 1947 in Muskegon, he married Mary Joyce Lathrop who survives. Also surviving are his children Bryan (Shelley) Smith of Bellaire, Phil Smith of Bellaire, Michael Smith of Geneseo, IL, Brad (Amy J.) Smith of Bellaire, sisters Betty Jean Loehr and Phyllis Crawford both of Bellaire, 8 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Norma S. Taphouse. Memorial services will be held Saturday, July 29, at 2 p.m. at the Bellaire High School Performing Arts Center.  Memorial contributions can be made to the Bellaire High School Basketball program, c/o Bellaire Public Schools, 204 W. Forest Home Ave, Bellaire, MI 49615. Arrangements have been held by the Bellaire Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign his online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.