Having led a fulfilling and blessed life with his high school sweetheart and soulmate of 55-plus years, Michael J. Smith was born to Jesse S. Smith and Helen Badour Smith on Aug. 29, 1943, and passed away too soon on Friday, Sept. 22, 2017. He leaves his legacy with his three beautiful daughters, Traci, Nicole (Nicki) and Danielle, that he and his wife created together. He was first and foremost a loving, kind, devoted family man who always put his family above anything else. Traci, Nicki and Danielle learned unconditional love and devotion to pass down to their loved ones from a father they all adored. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren will profit in their lives from the same values passed on to them.
Mike earned his Eagle Scout award when he was only 14, and at that time he was the youngest in his district to do so. His loyalty, determination and hard work that he learned as an Eagle Scout was exemplified throughout his life and career. He began his career at Gates Rubber Company in Galesburg, Ill., in 1962. He started as a production operator and during his 25-year tenure in Galesburg, he was promoted to line supervisor, department manager and employee relations manager and then to production manager. In 1987, he was promoted to plant manager in Iola, where he served for five years before being promoted to Denver, as director of hose and manufacturing. He ended his career after 37 years working his way up to Vice President Worldwide Hose and Connectors to retire in 1999.
His and Paulette’s choice to retire in Destin, Fla., proved to be their dream come true. In his retirement, he enjoyed many of his favorite hobbies including boating, fishing, woodworking, painting, sculpting and entertaining his family and friends with his gourmet meals. Mike’s family and friends and anyone who was lucky enough to know his in his lifetime, couldn’t help but admire, respect and love him for the special person he was.
Faith and courage go hand and hand, something Mike showed his entire life, but even more so in his battle with cancer for more than 11 years. His loved ones find comfort in knowing Mike is now with his creator, but will be dearly missed.
“Over the years we walked together — in lush green forests, and on shores of sand: when our time on earth is through, in Heaven, too, we will hold each other’s hand.”
The family wants to give special thanks to the wonderful care that Emerald Coast Hospice gave to Mike, allowing him to stay in his home with family, and the support they gave to Paulette and family.
In accordance with his wishes, he will be cremated and there will be no services. His ashes will be scattered later with those of his wife in the beautiful emerald waters of Destin.
To share memories, express condolences and sign the guestbook please visit, www.daviswatkins.com.
Michael Smith
