Micheal Lee Smith, a man who lived to make other’s lives better and an avid NC State fan, passed away peacefully at home, Monday, December 18th, 2023. Mike was 75 years old.
Smart and strong-willed, Mike had an admirable work ethic. If there was a tough problem to solve, you could always count on him. Mike loved his family, relishing the opportunity to share how proud he was of his kids. After graduating from NC State with an engineering degree and serving in the Army, Mike traveled the world from South America to Asia with Lane Venture Furniture. Outside of work, Mike spent time volunteering with the Hudson Optimist Club and Hudson Baseball where you’d find him announcing games in the press box or serving concessions. His kids always knew if they looked up in the stands he’d be there. When it was time for fun, Mike was ready to drop a line with anyone. Preferably at the beach or deep sea fishing. Many of Mike’s jokes were heard on beach piers across North Carolina. He loved hearing a laugh from a good joke he’d told. Curious throughout life, Mike was always learning something new. In retirement, he took classes in history, English and the auto mechanic repair program at Caldwell Community College. Many of the Smith cars were once totaled cars repaired by Mike himself. On weekends, Mike grew up and raised his family at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Hudson.
He is survived by his wife Debbie Smith, who he was married to for 49 years; his children Chad Smith and wife Andriena of Apex, and Kendra Winebarger and husband Chase of Granite Falls; grandchildren, Mallory Winebarger, Presley Smith, Tucker Winebarger, and Emmie Smith; brother, Thomas Smith and spouse Eric Newman; K-9 companion, Carter-Finley; and numerous other extended family members.
Mike will be missed dearly. As Mike once wrote, “you just don’t know how much you miss the things you love, until they’re gone.”
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, January 5, 2024 at 3:00pm, receiving friends from 1:30pm-3:00pm at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Hudson, NC with Jason Hines officiating and assisted by Pastor Ed Ford. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the The Gideons International Ministry PO Box 1, Hudson, NC 28638 or Amorem Support Hospice Care 902 Kirkwood Street NW, Lenoir, NC 28645.
Military Honors will be presented by the NC National Guard and the Caldwell County Honor Guard.
I was lucky enough to work with Mike at Lane Venture, and learned so much from him. He always had a way of making any situation better. I enjoyed hearing about his kids, and grandkids..he was so proud if his family. He will be missed!!
Mike and I worked together at Lane Venture many years. Mike was a good person and always kind. I am still using the dial radio with antenna he gave me when he left Lane Venture. Mike will be missed by many. Prayers for the Smith family. Rest In Peace Mike.
My favorite memory of Mike was him teaching Tucker the enormous gratitude we owe those service members who gave all. I’ve seen the pictures of Mike and Tucker placing coins on grave markers of servicemen. Each coin held different meaning. Mike was a patriot that loved his country. He loved his family and friends. He will be missed, but what a reunion we are promised by Christ. We will see Mike again. Prayers for all of you.
Mike and I worked together for a very long time at Lane Venture. He always had a fresh perspective on any situation and was usually dead on with his analysis! Always respected his solutions!