Max R. Smith

Fillmore -- Max R. Smith of Manchester, Michigan, formally of Fillmore, passed away on April 25, 2023 at St. Joseph’s Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He was born on August 23, 1939 in Fillmore, a son of the late Charles G. and Alora Russell Smith.

Max was a graduate of Fillmore Central School, class of 1957, and received his degree from Alfred State College in 1959.

He married Gail Rork on October 3, 1964 and they were married for 58 years.

Max operated a dairy farm for many years, and had hogs and sheep.

He spent the last 10 years before retirement as a loan officer for FMHA in Bath, New York.

In retirement, Max developed and started Max’s Bakery, specialized in salt rising bread, fried cakes, and cookies.

Max was a member of the Wiscoy-Rossburg Fire Company, for over 50 years, attending countless fires, accidents, and emergencies over the years. He especially loved working at the annual fish-frys each month at the fire hall and made the best coleslaw around.

Max was a member of the Nunda Station Lodge #682 F. & A.M and enjoyed attending meetings with his brother Bill.

He was a member of the former Friends in Christ United Methodist Church in Fillmore, and later the Manchester United Methodist Church in Manchester, Michigan.

Max served on the Fillmore Central School Board for 18 years and took great pride in his work for the district.

Max enjoyed reading, watching Fox News, his garden at his daughter’s house and bird watching in later years.

Surviving in addition to his beloved wife of 58 years is their children, Shannon (Jim) Peitz of Clinton, Michigan, Adam (Erin) Smith of Perry,  his grandchildren Ethan (Hannah) and Joshua Peitz, and Merritt and Lauren Smith, his brothers, David Smith of North Carolina, William (Theda) Smith of Fillmore, Hugh (Sally) Smith of Seldovia, Alaska, and Brian (Luana) Smith of Bowdoinham, Maine.

In addition to his parents he was predeceased by his brothers, Albert Smith and Jack Smith.

A graveside will be held on Friday, July 14, 2023 at 2:00 pm Pine Grove Cemetery, Fillmore. A masonic service will follow lead by Nunda Station Lodge #682. Pastor Sam Wolcott will officiate.

Memorial if desired to: Wiscoy-Rossburg Fire Company.

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