Tracy L. Smith, 62, passed away on Friday, September 1, 2023 at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, Plymouth.
Born on January 24, 1961 in South Bend, Indiana he was the son of John and Winifred (Gardner) Smith. He attended LaVille High School graduating with the class of 1980.
He worked for Milestone driving tri-axle dump trucks for 28 years. Stopping into Clark Gas Station one day, he noticed a wonderful woman named Jacki and he asked her out for coffee and they would spend the next 20 years together.
Most would tell you that Tracy never knew a stranger and he loved to talk for hours, so plan accordingly when tagging along with him. In fact, that was probably his strongest attribute, his willing to care for others with his gentle and kind heart, to tell a joke or to get someone going just enough by “poking at the bear,” with his sarcastic humor to get a good laugh in.
He enjoyed everything there was about the outdoors, especially when it came to riding and building ramps for his dirt bikes or riding his Harley.
He is survived by his fiancé Jacki Larimore of Plymouth; daughter Jillian (Skyler) Smith of Plymouth; sister Beth (Dennis) Griffey of Lakeville; twin brother Terry Smith of Phoenix, AZ; step-children: Rachael (Sean) Brust, Jaidlyn and Pierce Larimore; best buddy Bodhi Larimore, granddaughter Stevie Holland, nieces: Lydia (Ferhat) Smith-Turkmenoglu of Dublin, IRL; Stefania Smith of Tanzania, AFR; nephew Jeremiah (Songeun Lee) of Paros,GR; Josh (Alice) George and Jessica (Seth) George; great-nephews: Atlas and Jansen, in-laws Joe (Ricki) Garrison.
Tracy is preceded in death by his parents, brother Timothy R. Smith.
A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, September 10, 2023 at the Plymouth Wesleyan Church, 11203 Michigan Rd, Plymouth, IN 46563 from 3-6 pm.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be given in remembrance of Tracy towards the cost of the service.
Mary AnnWellman says
I am so terribly sorry to hear of Tracy’s passing. When we still had the hardware in Lapaz Tracy used to come in alot on Saturdays to visit with my husband and many times he had Jillian with him. I usually had to tell them to go to the back away from the front door lol. My condolences to Jillian, Jackie and all his friends and family. Sending prayers to all of you.
Brenda Borkholder says
So sorry for your families loss
Mike Gail Lemert and family says
My heart goes out to Jilliann
And lil Steve. Fir Jackie and family.
Tracy had been along time good friend to us. He’ll always be our hearts. We send our love. Rest in peace my dear friend.
jennifer davenport says
So very sorry for your loss. Sending you lots of love
Ricki Garrison says
Jacki, Bodhi, Jill, Beth and Terry We are so sorry for your loss. We will all miss seeing and of course talking to you. You never knew a stranger and always had time to talk just a little more. 🙂 Thanks Tracy for being a good buddy to our little Bodhi he loved you. May all the good memories help all of you and his friends though this difficult time. You will be missed by many on this earth but I know you are in heaven catching up with your brother Tim and Mom and Dad . RIP Tracy till we meet again. Love you Tracy.
Rex and Vicki Miller says
What a shock! Tracy was a great man. Rode motorcycles with him many times. So sorry for your loss. May God give you comfort during this time and future. 🙏🙏❤️
Marlene Harrison says
Ride free my friend..❤️
Lydia Smith says
So many memories with Uncle Tracy, one of them being riding around with him on the back is his Harley as a kid! He was always so friendly and would never miss an opportunity at our family reunions to tell us how much he missed us and loved us! Makes me happy to know that my Dad got even closer to Tracy before his passing away and they had some good brother bonding. Take care of each other up in Heaven…
Love Lydia, Ferhat and Atlas
Kim Eads Jones says
So many great, fun childhood memories of cousin Tracy. We had so many adventures and laughs together. Tracy was always happy and easy going. Loved to whistle and a fast runner. Likely won the majority of red light/green light games we played to keep entertained growing up. Many bicycle, putt putt and camping adventures were shared. Sad that he was taken to soon. Condolences to family, friends and all that loved him.
Patty Scandling (Ransbottom) says
I’m so sorry to hear of Tracy’s passing. He was such a nice guy! My heart goes out to Terry and Beth as well as Tracy’s gal, kids and grands. Gone too soon.
Annette (Lovell) Self says
I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Linda Jacobson says
Jackie, what more can I say that everybody else hasn’t already said Tracy was one of the best he was always so friendly and caring he’ll be missed greatly by so many I’m sorry I cam’t be at the service. I leave on a vacation the eighth and won’t be back until the 12th. You’ll be in my thoughts and prayers. I love you aunt Linda.
Linda Jacobson says
Jackie, what more can I say that everybody else hasn’t already said Tracy was one of the best he was always so friendly and caring he’ll be missed greatly by so many I’m sorry I cam’t be at the service. I leave on a vacation the eighth and won’t be back until the 12th. You’ll be in my thoughts and prayers. I love you aunt Linda.
Bruce Janis Bottorff says
Jackie and family were so broken hearted for you. We didn’t know Tracy that well but he sounds like the perfect mate, dad, grandpa to be. One never knows when it’s your time but God is there to welcome you
FLY HIGH WITH THE ANGELS TRACY 😇🎈🌹
Julia Parkinson says
Tracy I’m so sad that you’re gone we have enjoyed so many good times we’ve had so many good talks so many laughs. You will be deeply missed. Your hospitality was so gracious you and Jackie could put on a good spread for a meal. May you rest in peace.
Joe & Mary Salazar says
Our deepest condolences. Tracy was a great neighbor and a good friend. He will be missed.
WALT PICKERELL says
AS A TEACHER AT LAVILLE H. S. I WAS BLESSED TO SPEND TIME WITH TRACY AND WINNIE!! JUST WANT HIS FAMILY KNOW THAT, TRACY TOUCHED MANY LIVES AND MADE THEIR LIVES BETTER. MY THOUGHTS AND 🙏 ARE WITH YOU AND SORRY FOR YOUR LOSE!
Elizabeth Wilcockson says
Jacki and family,
There are no words! I am so sorry for your loss! I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers!
Love, Betty
Larry Riddle says
Tracy will be missed by many.
I worked with Tracy when he drove a concrete mixer truck at Transit-Mix. Tracy was always upbeat and a joy to be around.
Betsy & I were always glad to run into Tracy and catch up on what he had been doing. We will miss that.
We send our condolences to Tracy’s family and friends.
From Larry & Betsy Riddle
Jim & Sally Scobey says
We are sorry to hear that Tracy has passed away. We know he will be missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time of loss.