Mike Smith, age 57, of Paducah, KY passed away on Wednesday, October 31, 2018 at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX, surrounded by his family.
Mike was born on May 5, 1961 to William David Smith III and Mary Liddell Smith in Houston, MS. Mike’s personality was distinctly marked by his humility, faith, and dedication to his family. He consistently placed himself in positions of service, through his tenure as a deacon and Sunday school teacher at Friendship Baptist Church, through various leadership positions for his children's favorite activities, or the creation of a multiple myeloma support group in Western Kentucky. In his 15+ years working as a pharmaceutical representative with Bristol Myers Squibb, Mike infused each interaction with a personal energy that endeared him to countless medical offices and staffs. He was a peacemaker, a mediator, an honest accountability partner, and a reconciler.
Mike’s first action each morning was to turn to Jesus Christ. Warm mornings found him on his back porch, armed with a cup of coffee, his journal and the Holy Bible. Because of his close personal relationship with God, Mike met each circumstance with confidence in the Lord’s provision, protection and presence. His ultimate goal was to ensure that God received the glory for his life – a goal that was accomplished in every step of his path.
A 1983 graduate of The University of Mississippi, Mike was an energetic and determined Rebel fan, despite disappointments. Closely following behind his family in his esteem, his Doberman Ivan held a high and sacred place in Mike’s heart. Some of his favorite memories were from riding motorcycles with his brother, David, to Yosemite, Arches, and Bryce Canyon National Parks. Despite these interests, his passion and priority was always family. Mike believed strongly that his identity, purpose, and place in life were the gifts of those who had come before him – his parents, grandparents, and beyond. Those gifts were his responsibility to invest in his own children, grandchildren, friends, and even complete strangers. First and foremost in this mission was his adoring commitment to his “bride” of 30 years, Tonya, and their four children.
The stories that will be told about Mike will almost always include laughter, either because of him or directed at him. Mike was an endless source of joy, hilarity, sarcasm, and slightly inappropriate pranks. His attitude of optimism was infectious, even to the doctors and nurses who cared for him throughout his battle with cancer. Carrying on the tradition, his children often made him the object of much teasing and many jokes, to which he would always respond, “Y’all are gonna miss me when I’m gone.” No truer words have ever been spoken.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Larry Skinner, Dr. Jim Eickholz, Dr. Frank Cornell, and Bristol-Myers Squibb for the care and support they provided Mike over the last few years.
Mike is preceded in death by his parents-in-love, John Benjamin Buchanan and Mary Polly Buchanan, who are thrilled to add him to their company in heaven.
Mike is survived by his wife, Tonya Buchanan Smith; his daughter, Samantha Burgess and husband, Stephen, of Nashville, TN; his three sons, Ryan Smith and wife, Lakin, of Paducah, KY, Will Smith and wife, Lindsey, of Birmingham, AL, and Jay Smith of Paducah, KY; his parents, William David Smith III and Mary Liddell Smith of Houston, MS; one sister, Debbie Freeman and husband, Winky, of Vicksburg, MS; his brother, David Smith of Houston, MS; his brothers- and sisters-in-love, Kent and Tracey Buchanan of Paducah, KY, and Kerry and Melinda Lynn of Paducah, KY; and five grandchildren, Evah Smith, Eliza Smith, Abel Harris, Vincent Hardison and Roman Smith. He is also survived by a veritable hoard of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who grieve his loss.
Funeral Services will be held at 12:00 pm on Tuesday, November 6, 2018 at First Baptist Church Paducah with Dr. Jason Browning officiating. Burial will follow at Metropolis Memorial Gardens. Spencer and Melissa Hawkins and their children, Courtney, Nathan, and Abigail, Lucretia Jackson and Chad Davidson will provide the music. Pallbearers will be his four sons, Ryan, Will, Jay, and Stephen, Steve Burgess, father-in-law of Samantha, and Jay Hancock, father-in-law of Will.
Visitation will be held from 3:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Monday, November 5, 2018 at First Baptist Church Paducah.
Milner & Orr Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donation to: Friendship Baptist Church c/o "So That Others May Believe", 146 South Friendship Road, Paducah, KY 42003.
You may leave a message for the family or light a candle at milnerandorr.com
