Michael Smith was born on June 8, 1956 to William Smith and Emma Thomas Whitsett in Greenville, SC. Michael was known to many of his friends as Smithdog or Smitty. He attended Southside High School. At the age of 17, he enlisted in the United States Navy. After serving 22 years, he retired in 1993 as a PO1-E-6. After retirement, he worked as a machinist with Norfolk Shipyard and later Philadelphia Shipyard, where he ended his employment after 20 years.

He was preceded in death by his father; brothers, Archie Thomas, William Smith, Jr., and Marcus Thomas; seven uncles, and six aunts. Mike departed this life on Thursday, December 28, 2023.

His memories will forever be cherished by his mother, Emma Thomas Whitsett of Greensboro, NC ; his loving children Earnest McKinney, Kerenna (Gary) Jones of Birmingham, AL, Jeremy ( Tiffany ) Smith of Clarksville, TN, Dorian (LaMorrio) McNeal of Birmingham, AL, and Jessica Smith of Montgomery, AL; four brothers, Ricky Thomas of Greensboro, NC, Ivey Smith of Greensboro, NC, Christopher Thomas of Riley, NC, and Warren Thomas of Greensboro, NC; two sisters, Carolyn Smith of Greensboro, NC, and Janice Thomas of High Point, NC; nine grandchildren, Kaylah Lewis, Ariana Smith, Brianna Smith, Emoni McLeod, Jeremy Smith Jr., Daylund Num, Jai' Lynn Paris Wrice, Kamora Jones, and Skyler McNeal; one aunt, Frances Small of Greensboro, NC; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

A service to honor him will be held on Monday, January 8, 2024 at 9AM; at Perry J. Brown Funeral Home, 909 East Market Street, Greensboro, NC 27401, in the Cassie Coote-Brown Memorial Chapel. Visitation is at 8:30AM.

Burial will be at 11AM in the Salisbury National Cemetery, Salisbury, NC.