John William "Bill" Smit, aged 94, of Grand Rapids, died on Sunday, August 24, 2025.

He was preceded in death by his wife Winifred Smit, his daughter Mary Smit, his son Paul Smit, his sister Eunice and brother-in-law Henry "Red" Bruinooge, his brother Harvey and sister-in-law Edna Smit, and his brother-in-law John Timmer.

He is survived by his sister Hazel Timmer, his daughters Laura Smit, Jane Smit, and Sally (Brian) Verstraete, his son Charles Smit, his daughter-in-law Debra Sloterbeek, and his grandchildren Jennifer (Joseph) Keizer, Tony Smit, Julia Verstraete, and Joshua Verstraete, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Bill was born in Shanghai, China, to missionary parents. He was a professor of Sociology at Calvin College for most of his career. His family knew him as a quiet rebel marked by his humor, kindness, and care for others. As he was dying, he recited the Bible passage with which he began each day: Psalm 103:1-5. His family is comforted during this time of loss by the knowledge that he has claimed the promises in that psalm: his sins are forgiven, his diseases are healed, his life has been redeemed, and his youth has been renewed like the eagle's.

Friends may meet with the family at Calvin Church (700 Ethel SE) on Tuesday, September 2, at 10 AM. A memorial service will be held on that same day, September 2, at 11 AM, also at Calvin Church, Rev. Rebecca Jordan Heys officiating. Lunch will follow. Memorial contributions may be made to New2You Thrift Shop, in support of Christian education.