Rusins "Russ" Smiltnieks' Obituary
Rusins “Russ” Smiltnieks, 77, of Germantown, TN, passed away on August 9, 2021, at his Germantown home.
He is survived by his wife, Sandra Stroh-Smiltnieks; daughter, Lisa Spiotta (Gene) of Germantown; son Christopher Smiltnieks (Kristy) of Swifton, AR; grandchildren, Isabella, Geno and Gabriella Spiotta, Eli, and Sophie Smiltnieks; sister Mara Ware (Jimmy Lee) of Grand Junction, TN; niece, Debbie Scheidhauer; nephew Jay Smiltnieks; other relatives, and many beloved friends.
Russ was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Hugo Smiltnieks, DVM and wife Mirdza; brothers, Ojars and Ivars; first wife, Jane Kennon; grandson, Jaxson Steele; and stepfather, Leons Kalnins.
After immigrating from Latvia to the United States with his family at an early age, Russ lived most of his life in Memphis, TN and New London, NC. He graduated from Whitehaven High School and Christian Brothers College, with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering.
Russ and Sandra married in Memphis and enjoyed 35 years of marriage in Germantown and New London. Prior to retirement, Russ was a partner in Competition Cams, RHS and NMCA. He enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren, and friends, playing golf, fishing, and boating. He was a “jack of all trades” and could fix anything. It wasn’t unusual for him to pull up to the homes of his children and friends with his trusty red bag of tools, and cheerfully announce, “Papa fix it!”
A private service for the family will be held in Germantown, TN.
In lieu of flowers, donations may made to Boston University Amyloidosis Center, Vanderbilt University Amyloidosis Center, Hospice of Stanly & The Uwharrie, Albemarle, NC or Hospice of Hope, Collierville, TN.
A special thanks to the dedicated workers of both Hospice of Stanly & Uwharrie, and Hospice of Hope for their compassionate care, and guardian angels Dr. Chris Gillespie and wife Cheryl, RN along with Mary Anne Miller, RN.
To view the memorial tribute video click the link below.
https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/36333ML9DCWDB3MB
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