Scott "Bubba" Smith passed unexpectedly from this life on Tuesday afternoon, March 24, 2026.  He was 50 years old.

Born with a warm heart and an easygoing spirit, Scott grew up in the Walled Lake area, attending Wixom Elementary School before graduating from Walled Lake Western High School with the Class of 1993. From an early age, Scott was known for his strong work ethic. While still in high school, he began what would become his lifelong career in the construction industry, eventually earning the respect of colleagues and clients alike as a dedicated and knowledgeable project manager.

Affectionately known as "Bubba" since childhood—a nickname given during his younger years to distinguish him among neighborhood friends—Scott carried that name with him throughout his life, a reflection of the familiarity and affection so many felt toward him.

To know Bubba was to love him. He was, in every sense, a "big teddy bear"—kind, approachable, and deeply caring. He had a sharp, dry sense of humor that could lighten any moment, even in the most difficult of times. People were naturally drawn to him, not only for his wit, but for his steady presence and the thoughtful advice he so willingly gave. His relationships endured the test of time, a testament to his character—maintaining close bonds with friends, family, and even extended family members, including those connected through earlier chapters of his life.

Bubba had a deep appreciation for the simple joys of life. He loved summers spent boating on Walled Lake, where he felt most at peace, surrounded by sunshine, water, and good company. He was a true "foodie," finding joy in sharing meals, swapping recipes, and talking about what to cook next. Whether dining out or enjoying a home-cooked dish, food was his way of connecting with others.

In recent years, Bubba faced significant health challenges, particularly with his heart. Yet even through hospital stays and uncertainty, he never lost his sense of humor. With a smile, he once joked about "changing his address" to the hospital after an extended stay. Though there were moments of discouragement, he met them with resilience, encouragement from those who loved him, and an enduring spirit that refused to be defined by his circumstances.  He had a quiet awareness about his journey, often expressing a sense that his time might be shorter than hoped. Still, he remained present, surrounded by those who cared deeply for him. In the end, he was not alone—he was in the company of dear friends, a reflection of the many lives he touched and the love that surrounded him.

Bubba's life was marked not by its length, but by its depth—by laughter shared, advice given, friendships sustained, and moments fully lived. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him, especially in the warmth of summer days, the comfort of a shared meal, and the echo of a well-timed joke.

Bubba is survived by his soulmate, Heather Cox; his parents, Gary and Liane Smith; his sister, Colleen (Larry) Marvin; nieces, Abigail and Emma; uncles and aunts, Dana and Gloria Bessen and Lynn and John Bell, as well as a multitude of friends.

Family and friends are invited to gather to celebrate Bubba's life on Saturday, March 28, 11:00 am, at the Beach Tiki Bar and Boil, 142 E. Walled lake Road in Walled Lake.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.