Flint Citadel Trombonist Smith Promoted to Glory

Long-time Flint Citadel Band trombonist Bernard “Bernie” Jeffery Smith, of Corunna, Michigan, was promoted to Glory on Saturday, 1 December 2007, at the age of 75. Funeral services were held at the the Salvation Army Flint Citadel Corps on Thursday, 6 December 2007 at 7:00 p.m., with Captain Jon Augenstein officiating.

Smith was born in Flint, Michigan on 1 August 1932, the son of Fred and Marion (MacDougall) Smith. He resided in Flint for most his life, with the exception of the years 1955 – 1973 when he lived in Flushing, Michigan. Smith graduated from (Flint) Central High School. He was married to Melva R. Brown on 14 June 1952, and was employed for 30 years by the Indian Trails bus company as a driver, retiring in 1996 with over one million safety miles. He was a train enthusiast and enjoyed people and spending time with his family and his church family at the Salvation Army Flint Citadel, where he was a lifetime member. He was a member of the Flint Citadel Band and Songsters for 57 years.

Survivors include his wife, Melva R. Smith of Corunna, Michigan; a son, Brian Smith of Corunna, Michigan and a daughter, Karen Kinsley of The Woodlands, Texas; two grandchildren, Kristen Kinsley of Virginia Beach, Virginia and Harrison Kinsley of The Woodlands, Texas; two brothers, John A. Smith of Clearwater, Florida and Edward F. Smith of Swartz Creek, Michigan; a sister, Ruth Y. Tempel of Corunna, Michigan; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Alfred H. Smith.

The Flint Citadel Band has suffered a great loss. Bernie was not only a dedicated musician, but more importantly was a committed Christian. His faith sustained him through the darkest hours, and he never let his battle with a rare form of leukemia hinder his faith in Christ. The Flint Citadel Band and Songsters offered a final salute to their brother, Bernie Smith, when they assembled for his funeral at the Citadel. His casket was flanked by an Honor Guard throughout the service.