Hollace R. Smith, 91, of Pleasant Lake and formerly of Fort Wayne, died Monday, December 4, 2017, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne.

Hollace was born October 28, 1926, in Armathwaite, Tennessee, to the late George and Mary Bell (Bow) Smith.

He was a veteran of the United States Army, serving during World War II.

Hollace married Vera L. Hart on September 27, 1947, in Georgia, and she survives in Pleasant Lake.

Hollace worked for over 30 years for the Dana Corp. in Fort Wayne, retiring in 1976.

He was a member of the Lighthouse Baptist Church in Port Charlotte, Florida.

Hollace was a man of few words, however he was an amazing teacher — he taught his family Christian values, strong morals, how to build a home both in character and structure, how to live and survive off the land, all with a gentle, caring heart. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. A man of integrity, he gave strong sound advice. Hollace loved working with his hands as evidenced by the homes he built, his fine woodworking skills, and the firm, callused hands. He enjoyed the outdoors. He fished, hunted and spent time in the garden. No grass grew to tall when he was around. You could always find him on a mower in the summer. The most recent pastime for Hollace was putting jigsaws together at the dining room table, where one still sits. This is the only thing Hollace left unfinished.

Also surviving are four children, Roger P. Smith of Placida, Florida, Marcia Faye Sassanella of Auburn, Hollace Michael (Carol) Smith of Pleasant Lake and Jeffery S. (Lisa) Smith of Auburn; 12 grandchildren, Michelle (Jim) Alcorn of Avon, Jason (Andrea) Smith of New Haven, Jeremy (Kate) Sassanella of Indianapolis, Josh (Sarah) Sassanella of New York City, New York, Justin (Tiffany) Sassanella of Branson, Missouri, Jon (Jocelyn) Sassanella of Auburn, Hollace Steve (Angie) Smith of Pleasant Lake, Beth (Bruce) Kerr of Waterloo, Andrew (Jill) Smith of Evansville, Alicia Smith of Auburn, Nick (Kari) Bregin of Fort Wayne and Geoff Bregin of Indianapolis; and 26 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers; and five sisters.

A memorial service will take place at 6 p.m. Saturday, December 9, 2017, at Feller and Clark Funeral Home, 1860 Center St., Auburn, with the Rev. Ron Stambaugh officiating and military honors being conducted by the United States Army and American Legion Post 97 of Auburn.

The family will receive friends from 4-6 p.m. Saturday prior to the service at the funeral home.

Memorials may be directed to the Lighthouse Baptist Church in Port Charlotte, Florida.