SMITH, SR., Burt Ross

Burt Ross Smith, Sr., 84, of Mesa, AZ, passed away peacefully on Easter Sunday, April 11, 2004. Burt was born in Lakewood, Ohio on January 7, 1920, the youngest child of his beloved parents, Arthur Smith, Sr. and Ella Knoeffler-Smith and brother to his beloved siblings Charlotte, Hilda, Floyd, Harrison, and Arthur Jr. Burt was a veteran of WWII and served in the European Theater as a gunnery sergeant. In 1950, Burt and his brother Arthur founded Super Market Drug Services, Inc., DBA Medic Discount Drug Centers, a chain of 18 drug stores located throughout northern Ohio. In 1980, after 30 years as successful businessmen, Burt and Arthur sold their business and Burt relocated to Scottsdale, AZ and later to Fountain Hills, AZ where he resided for over 20 years. Throughout his live, Burt enjoyed traveling the US, singing (in high school he was affectionately referred to by classmates as "Bing Buzby" after his idol Bing Crosby) and working with his hands to accomplish home improvement projects. Burt had a very special love for his Italian Greyhounds, Mario and Buffy, who were the focal point of his life in his later years. Burt is survived by his children: Ryland (Rylie), Burt Jr. (Pepper), Kenneth (Kenny), Gary, Michelle (Micki), Kenton and Tamara (Tammy); Grandchildren: Lisa, Michelle, Brian, Sharon, Kevin, Sherrie, Renee, Robin, Jason, Dawn, Cary, Pierce, Holly Anne, Jamie, Rachael, Haylie; Great Grandchildren: Erica, Kristen, Christopher, Brittany, Samantha, Maxwell, Dillon, Dallas, Mackenzie, Charlie, Brant. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Messinger Mortuaries of Fountain Hills. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Greyhound Adoption League at 520-578-2792 or Hospice Family Care at 480-461-3144. Published in the Arizona Republic on 4/13/2004.