Durrell "Smitty" Smith of National City (Sand Lake) passed away at his home unexpectedly July 27, 2015 at the age of 81. He was born on Feb. 17, 1934 to Robert and V. Elaine Smith in Kalamazoo. His family moved to Saginaw in 1942. He graduated from Saginaw High School in 1952, and then joined the United States Air Force, where he proudly served in the Korean War. In 1955, he married Sadako Idomoto in Japan. Upon returning home from the service, he was employed with the U.S. Graphite in Saginaw until his retirement. He then moved to Sand Lake in 2002,Smitty was a kind man with a huge heart. He was a friend to all. He was especially passionate about and loved animals. He enjoyed politics, movies, food, and dancing (if he had the chance). He loved a good party, and usually outlasted most.He is survived by his brother, Roger Smith of National City; two sisters, Moyne O'keefe and Myra (Lloyd) Lewis of Saginaw; and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by special friend and companion of 20 years, Mary Minard, and her children, Molly (Jennifer Phillips) Minard, Amy (Steve) Hallead, Rob (Anne) Minard and Mindy Minard; and grandchildren, Avery, Alexandra and Madeline. He is also survived by his long time friends, Jack, George and Dale, He was preceded in death by his parents; as well as a nephew, Eric Lewis; and sister-in-law, Janet Smith.A memorial will take place at Buresh Funeral Home in Tawas City on Saturday, Aug. 8. Visitation is from 10 a.m. to noon, with a memorial service at noon. A celebration of his life gathering with food, etc, will follow the service at his residence at Sand Lake. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to donate in his memory to the Iosco County Humane Society/Animal Shelter.