Macomb, Michigan - Marlon Jamal Smith was born January 12, 1974, to Ronald L. Smith and Pat Green Smith in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He was the youngest of two sons. Marlon departed his earthly life on Friday, December 12, 2025 in Troy, Michigan. He was 51 years old.

Marlon attended Scotlandville Magnet High School in Baton Rouge. After graduating high school in 1992, Marlon attended Southern University and A&M College, where he graduated with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering in 1997. He was simultaneously recruited and hired by General Motors for their manufacturing facility in Indianapolis, Indiana. This provided him with an opportunity to further his education. In 2001, he graduated from the University of Indianapolis with an M.B.A. in Executive Management.

In 2003, Marlon followed in his father's footsteps and became a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated. Marlon's dedication to humanity, friendship, service, and Christianity led him to also become a member of 100 Black Men of America, Greater Mt. Carmel Baptist Church (Baton Rouge, LA), Community Church (formerly Faith Bible Church-Slidell, LA), and Oak Grove A.M.E. Church (Detroit, MI).

Marlon married his high school sweetheart, Kimberly Horton. To this blessed union, Marlon "Deuce" Jamal Smith, II was born in 2007. He deeply valued his personal and professional relationships. As a department manager at The J.M. Smucker Company and financial advisor at Edward Jones, Marlon touched many lives. His employment with General Motors collectively was almost 20 years, with his last role as Dealer Performance Manager-Warren, Michigan. Because of Marlon's stellar work ethic and natural tenacity, he was promoted often, garnering eight corporate relocations.

The beautiful memories of his life will be cherished by his devoted wife of 22 years, Kimberly Horton Smith; one son, Marlon "Deuce" Jamal Smith, II; mother, Pat Green Smith; father, Ronald L. Smith; stepmother, Ava Smith; one brother, Ron L. Smith, II (Angela); one bonus sister, Iris Hayes (Alvin); father-in-law, Ronald L. Horton; sister-in law, April Horton Davison (Gregory); one niece, Alexis Smith; two bonus nieces, J'licia Vo and Tremiah Perry; one nephew, Calum Wallace; four bonus nephews, Donald Perry, Jr. (Kiona), Jordan Perry, Jonathan Perry, and Deven Hampton; two uncles, Reginald Smith, Sr. and Korey Smith (Nicole); one aunt, Dorothy Parker; two Goddaughters, Hannah Johnson and Kristen Cunningham; Godmother, Alma "Annette" Simpson; Godfather, Michael Atkins; best friend, Lionel Bradford; and a host of great nieces, great nephews, cousins, and friends.

Marlon was preceded in death by his grandfather, Melvin Smith; his grandmothers, Martha Selser, Naomi Smith, and Ada Smith; and his mother-in-law, Rita Ruffin Horton.