Edward West Smith Jr.Battle CreekEdward West Smith Jr., 77, of Battle Creek, Michigan, passed away on Monday, October 31, 2016 at Laurels of Bedford. He was born on November 30, 1938, the son of Edward W. Smith and Gussie (Clayton) Smith.   Edward graduated from Battle Creek Central High School in 1957. After High school he attended Olivet College earning an associates degree. During college he played football and enjoyed sports. After college he went to work for post cereals and eventually retired after 38 1/2 years. He was also self employed owning the Battle Creek Mutual Club, a trucking business and a janitorial service. He grew up at Mt. Zion AME church and was a supportive donor.    Edward is survived by his Wife, Guler (Bakte) Smith of Battle Creek, Michigan; five Children, Monica E. (Larry) Smith-Durell of NJ., Rio M. Smith of AZ., Todd E. Smith of MI., Diapolis T. Smith of MI., and Rosetta Brewer of MI. Brother, Donaldo C. (Jacquelyn) Smith of Chicago, IL; Sister, Arneater Love of NJ.; six Grandchildren, Sakeeah (Johnathan) Lewis-Galban, Antinique (James) Lewis-Cox, Erol Williams, Kyasia Durell, Kylah Durell, and Khiry Dowdy; 18 great-Grandchildren; former wife, Eleanor Smith and a host of other loving nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and family. He was preceded in death by his parents; Sister, Barbara Jean Pressley, Brother, Hugh Daniel Smith Sr., Grandson, Frank Williams III, and Great-grandson, Najeeb Green-Lewis.Edward was an interesting man and had a passion for travel. He loved to plan trips to different events for sports and other gatherings with his family and friends. Edward lived to have fun; he loved to watch football and get a bit loud while cheering. He was a great guy and he will be missed so dearly by all the lives he has touched.Visitation will be held at the Baxter Funeral & Cremation Service, 375 W. Dickman Road, on Saturday November 12, 2016, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. followed by a funeral service at 12:00 noon with Dr. Rev. Tino W. Smith officiating.Interment will take place in Memorial Park Cemetery. Arrangements by the Baxter Funeral & Cremation Service.   269-788-9800     www.baxterfuneral.com