Michael Gene Smith

Michael Gene Smith passed into the Kingdom of Heaven Wednesday, May 5, 2010, where he was tenderly received into the Lord's waiting arms. He was born September 8, 1940 in Peoria, IL. He is survived by his loving wife, Cathy and precious daughter, Lisa Guyon. Also a dearly loved son-in-law, John Roger Guyon, Jr.; five grandsons, John III, Robert, Cody, Chanse and Joshua Guyon. His dearly loved sisters-in-law, Diane Swafford and Mary (Lynwood) Dalton, whom he thought of as his sisters; a great-granddaughter, Lanie Guyon; nephews, Jeffrey Pell, Adam (Amanda) Dalton; niece, Candi (Nick) Garner; great- nieces, Kayla Pell and Macy Dalton, great-nephew, Jasper Dalton. Also surviving are two daughters, Kelli and Lisa from his first marriage, whom he always loved, although he had not seen in many years. Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Louise Smith, father and mother-in-law, Thomas Clemons and Tressie Faye Early. Mike served his country in the Air Force as a medic for two tours in what was later known as the Viet Nam War. After the military, Mike led an interesting and varied life; as an artist, heavy equipment operator, radio disc jockey, then as a general foreman for Brown and Root Co. This is when Mike, Cathy and Lisa became a family and moved to Louisiana, where he continued to work for Brown and Root Co. This led to his work with the Petrin Corporation as a general foreman, then as Vice President. A few years later, Mike ingeniously invented a product for the petro industry and started his own company, Energy Control Services, along with his wife. Lisa worked in the office as a teen and he provided the life of a princess for her. After a number of years, he sold his part of the business. This led Mike and Cathy to Mobile, then Prattville, AL. Here, he and his wife started a home office as freight agents, where he worked until his cancer diagnosis November 2, 2009. We decided to move to Ocean Springs, MS to be close to our daughter and her family. He was a complex yet simple man, who treasured peace and solitude, but had a heart of gold. Many times throughout the years, Mike helped many people, bringing them into his home and was very gratified with his efforts. He was Jewish, but came to know the Lord in 2002, and his life changed as only the personal knowledge of Jesus as your Lord and Savior can alter ones life. He will be missed by family and friends alike. Of special note, a dear friend, Hugh (Betty) Tubbs made a tremendous impact on his life. Hugh is a minister, with a sense of humor that always made him laugh. Hugh was the only man that Mike always said "I love you" to each and every time they talked. Also, a young man, Stanley Hopkins, whom he met during his time as a freight agent, and came to know and love dearly. Special thanks to Sunplex and all the staff, because he loved you all, and appreciated every thoughtful and kind effort; doctors, Clarkson, Hoover and all the hospitalists involved in his care. A very special thanks to Hospice Of Light; their constant support and guidance made this journey possible. His desire has always been cremation. After long talks, he chose to have a viewing at Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Home, then cremation. Mike spent several months at Sunplex Sub Acute Center for rehab and in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sunplex, 6520 Sunscope Drive, Ocean Springs, MS 39565, for their activity department, Hospice Of Light in Gautier or ones favorite charity. Visitation will be Friday, May 7, 2010 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. with a 7:00 p.m. service all at the Ocean Springs Chapel of Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Home.