Obituary of Oseville M. Smith, II

On Sunday, December 31, 2017 at 11:00 am our Heavenly Father opened His arms and welcomed our father home. Oseville M. (Skip) Smith, II was born on October 1, 1947 in Bluefield, West Virginia to Beatrice G. Ross Smith and Oseville M. Smith, I. He was an only child.  He grew up in the Methodist faith and was surrounded by many cousins and playmates.  Skip enjoyed math and chemistry in his early education so much so he double majored in both subjects earning two degrees from Bluefield State College in 1971. 

After college graduation, Skip moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan.  His initial year in Kalamazoo, he taught math and chemistry at Hillside Middle School.  Skip had thoughts of returning to pharmacy school but was soon hired on by Upjohn Pharmaceuticals in Richland, Michigan. He also worked as a pharmaceutical chemist in the Kalamazoo Upjohn location.  His talent aided in the development of household brands like Rogaine, Excedrin, Sleepinol and many others. 

Skip had many interests after college, one being real estate.  He bought many properties and explored property management in his free time.  After more than two decades with Upjohn, in 1997, Skip was offered employment with Minute Maid, a division of The Coca-Cola Company, in Paw Paw, Michigan, where he completed his working career and retired in 2009.

Skip’s many hobbies and passions included repairing cars, small electrical appliances and he built computers.  Skip loved to travel and enjoyed learning many interesting and detailed facts about people and cultures.  Skip was the eyes and ears of his Westwood neighborhood, where he resided for over 30 years; he was probably the most well known guy in the neighborhood as many would bring their vehicles, lawn mowers and anything else that required fixing to his famous driveway workshop.

Skip’s lifelong dream was to have all 5 of his children together with him and that dream was fulfilled as a surprise on his 70^th birthday in October 2017, in Chicago.

Skip leaves to cherish his memory his eldest daughter Marneia G. Mitchell of Atlanta, GA, his eldest son Semuel Brown (Maryam) of Henderson, NV, his middle daughter Einnaf A. Austin (Lamar) of Chicago, IL, his youngest daughter Brehanna N. Smith and youngest son Oseville (Montario) Smith, III of Kalamazoo, MI.  He also leaves 12 grandchildren and a host of family, neighbors, and friends.