Bryan Lee Smith, a lifelong resident of Manhattan, passed away unexpectedly but free of suffering, surrounded by family, friends and neighbors, at Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox on Friday, September 6. Bryan was born March 24, 1942 in Joliet. He and his childhood sweetheart and loving wife of 63 years Lou Ann owned and operated Smith Furniture & Carpet and Smith Carpet Care in Manhattan for more than 25 years. Bryan began working in the furniture business at just 16 years old, as a stock boy at Fitzgerald's Furniture in Joliet, where he grew into one of the store's top salespeople over a 20-year stint. He graduated from Lincoln-Way Central High School in 1960.

Bryan always put his marriage and his family first. He adored his four grandkids with pride and joy, celebrating each of their many successes in school, athletics and life and was proud of the successful adults his four children grew up to be. As a boy, Bryan loved living on his grandparents' farm with his mother where they raised horses and sheep before a house fire led them to a new home in Manhattan township. A year after marrying in 1962, Bryan and Lou Ann moved to their country home west of town to raise their family. Their love of horses quickly spread to their children, as the family raised and showed horses throughout the Midwest for 20 years. In 2005, they sold their family home, downsized and moved back into town to enjoy their retirement.

Bryan and Lou Ann enjoyed vacationing together. Their favorite spots included Las Vegas, Hawaii, Florida, and any place they could enjoy the hot sun and a nice pool. Their favorite trips included family. Anyone who knew Bryan knows he took great pride in keeping a tidy house and lawn, he loved helping his neighbors, and he was an avid sports fan - rooting for his Cubs, win or lose.

Bryan was preceded in death by his son Kevin Smith (2021), his mother Marjorie (Stauffenberg) Smith, his grandparents Louis and Mildred (McGuire) Stauffenberg, and his in-laws Floyd and Mickey (Owen) Daugherty. Bryan is survived by his wife Lou Ann (Daugherty) Smith; two daughters Kimberly Smith (Hanksy) and Kelly Smith (Brenda); son Kraig Smith (Pamela), daughter-in-law Pam (Wilke) Smith; four grandchildren Bryna (20), Kylie (18), Lukas (14) and Bodhi (9); his only sibling Brad Smith; sisters-in-law; nieces; and nephews, as well as several close friends and neighbors.

Visitation for Bryan will be Saturday, September 14 at St. Paul's United Church of Christ; 140 Thelma St; Manhattan, IL, from 10:00 a.m. until the funeral service begins at 1:00 p.m. Procession will immediately follow for Interment at Manhattan Center Cemetery, 25403 South Cedar Road. Arrangements entrusted to Forsythe Gould Funeral Home, 507 S. State St., Manhattan, IL 60442, 815-478-3321, www.forsythegouldfh.com.