Alga Smith, Jr. "L.J."

Our beloved father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, and friend ALGA SMITH JR. “L.J.” went home to be with his heavenly father on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan, at the age of 70 years. Alga was born on September 4, 1952, to Alga Smith, Sr. and Berta L. Harris in Saginaw, Michigan. He was raised by his loving parents, Berta L. (Sweetie) and Grover L Davis, Jr.

Alga graduated from Saginaw High School Class of 1970. After graduation, he became employed as a machine operator for General Motors (Chevrolet Grey Iron Foundry) in February 1971 retiring in 1997. L.J. was affiliated with UAW Local 668. After retirement, Al started enjoying all his years of working hard and began to do the things he loved most, which were sports, music, singing, reading, and enjoying his family and friends. Those who loved him dearly will miss his genuine heart and smile.

He was a lifelong member of St. Paul Baptist Church. He was Baptized at an early age by Rev. Roosevelt Mosley, Sr., and later served under the leadership of his current Pastor/ friend, Rev. Vincent D. McMillon. During his time in the church, he wore many hats. He was Vice President of the Unity Choir, Sunday School teacher, Male Chorus, Praise Team, and even part of the Mass Choir. Wherever he could fit in he was there in stride. He loved his church family. Alga was a man of great character and class but known for his stylish GQ collaborations.

Alga also gained another passion during his down-time; that was finding himself active in the community by working behind the scenes as a Maintenance Supervisor for Hoyt Park. He umpired boys’ and girls’ youth baseball games, cut the grass, and made sure the park was well maintained and cleaned after hours for future use. By doing this, L.J. was given the name “HOYT PARK LEGEND.” He was devoted even if it meant giving up his entire day. He would say, “I love everyone and there is nothing they can do about it.”

Alga leaves to cherish his legacy and memories four sons and one daughter, Sergio (Shannon) Thomas of Grand Blanc, Michigan. Felicia Thomas (Paul), Minister Alga Smith, III (Deborah), Anquonn D. Smith and Ervin Reed Smith (Pauline) all of Saginaw, Michigan; grandchildren, Sergio Jr. and Sydney Thomas, Grand Blanc, Michigan, Alga Smith, IV Hollywood, California, Mei Asia Smith, Monroe, Louisiana, Aqavious Head, Grand Rapids, Michigan., Jamareon Henton, Holland, Michigan, LeVunte Thomas, Honesty Smith, Sir’Real Smith, Imagi Smith, Tavion Garett, Destiny, Emani and Camari Jones Smith all of Saginaw, Michigan; eight great-grandchildren; two sisters and one brother, Marquietta Davis, Yolanda (Eugene) McGee, Grover L Davis, III; aunt, Juanita Smith; one niece, Tangena McGee; four nephews, Zephaniah Davis, Minister Thurman Stanton, II, Javaris Lyle and Anthony Lyle, Jr.; goddaughter, Marleana Wells, Miami, Florida; godsister, Michele (Jose)Douglas, Kentwood, Michigan; the love of his life, Betty Hollis, and her children Latoya, Lisa, Brian and family; sisters and brothers-in-law, Venolian Jackson, Antinella Surles, Demetria Jackson, Calvin Thomas, Michael Jackson all of Saginaw, Michigan, Emma Jean (David) Thompson, Orange, Texas; a host of other relatives and friends including good friends, Chico Ramos, Larry Brethauer and a very special friend/sister who was dear to his heart, Joyce Jones.

Alga was preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis Ann Smith; parents, Alga Smith, Sr., Berta L. Davis “Sweetie,” and Grover Davis, Jr.; brother, Reed Ervin Smith; sister, Teveldia Davis Lyle, and grandmother, Judy Ann Douglas Harris.

The family would like to thank  Pastor Vincent D. McMillon and the St. Paul Baptist Church Family, Henry Ford Hospital 6th floor ICU of Detroit, Michigan, and Ivan Phillips and the Staff of Paradise Funeral Chapel.