Michael “Mike” Smith graduated to Heaven on Monday, May 24, 2021 after a years long battle with pulmonary fibrosis.

Mike was born in Alton, Illinois to “Smitty” and Vera Smith. He graduated from Alton High School then attended the University of Missouri School of Mines at Rolla (now known as Missouri University of Science and Technology), where he was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. He earned a degree in mechanical engineering, and after graduating, he worked for Caterpillar, Inc. for his entire career.

He was married to the love of his life Alpha Galliher Smith for 55 years. They lived in a myriad of places including Peoria, IL; Oklahoma City, OK; Elmhurst, IL; São Paulo, Brazil; Dallas, TX; Denton, TX; and Grapevine, TX, where they made many close friends throughout the years.

In his retirement years, Mike enjoyed playing golf, fishing, and RVing across the country. His two favorite places to RV were Port Aransas, TX and Estes Park, CO. He especially loved taking RV trips with his children and grandchildren.

Mike is survived by his wife, his brother and all of his family, his 3 children and their spouses, and his 7 grandchildren.

Family was very important to Mike, so in lieu of flowers please make donations to Kentucky Mountain Mission, the mission board that supports Youth Haven Bible Camp in Eastern Kentucky, where his nephew and wife minister to the families in the area of the camp.