On Monday, March 1, 2021, Micheal “Mike” Dean Smith, a son, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend to so many people, went home to be with Jesus, following a short illness. Born May 1, 1958, Mike was 62 years of age; he was the son of Betty Bailey Smith of Jesse and the late Arville Smith. Mike attended Glen Fork Grade School as a child and then continued on to Glen Rogers High School. He played basketball for Glen Rogers where he was part of the team that won a state championship in 1977. Mike also went on to coach girls basketball at Glen Fork Grade School, where they won county championships two consecutive years in 1987 – 1989. Over the years Mike was always supporting and watching his kids playing sports. From basketball, baseball, and to football, he was always there cheering his kids on. Mike was a huge Wyoming East Warriors fan and always supported them any way he could. During deer season, you could always find Mike and his sons together hunting. Mike enjoyed spending time with his friends; a few special friends that he really enjoyed being with were, Greg Lambert, Kevin McMillion, Mike McMillion, and Glenn Laxton. Other things mike enjoyed were Nascar Racing, watching westerns on TV, sports, and being with his family, especially his kids and grandkids.
In addition to his father he is preceded in death by a nephew, Adam Mullens; and a very special friend, Duke Tilley. Mike is now in Heaven where he will be waiting to be reunited with his mother; his children Travis (Shannon) Smith of Glen Daniels, Desirea (Eric) Mullins of Glen Fork, Kyle Smith of Pineville, Roncheski (Jason) Bailey of Oceana, and his sister Tammie Smith of Jesse.
In addition to his mom, children and sister, Mike also has eleven grandchildren who were his everything! Grayson and Kruize Smith, Paizleigh (Paige-Papaw’s Nickname) and Waylon Mullins, Zola, Zadei, Kyran, Zaya, and Zavannah Smith, and Ella and Olivia Bailey. Mike also has one niece, Leslie Mullens and two great nieces, Mackenzie and Makyleigh Sturgill who are left to cherish his memory. One person also left to cherish Mike’s memory is the mother of his children, Michelle Tilley, and a host of other loving family and friends.
A celebration of Mike’s life will be held at 1 pm on Sunday, March 7th in the Chapel of Stafford Family Funeral Home, Lynco, WV with Pastor Ernest Francis, III and Rev. Jeff Green officiating. He will be laid to rest in Cook Cemetery, Jesse, WV near his dad and nephew. Friends may gather with the family from 12 pm until time of service on Sunday at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be family and friends. The family would like to extend a very special thank you to Dr. Zafa for everything he done, especially all of the kind words and prayers he expressed to the family.
The family is being served by Stafford Family Funeral Home, Lynco, WV.