MICHAEL A SMITH

1947-2021

Michael Arvel Smith passed away March 2nd, 2021 after a six year fight with cancer. Mike was born July 13th, 1947 to Leslie Eugene Smith and Mary Josephine in Peoria, Illinois. He was raised in Madison, Wisconsin, graduated from Madison West High in 1965, and was, of course, a lifelong enthusiastic Green Bay Packers fan.

Mike entered the U. S. Army in 1967. Became 2nd Lieutenant and was assigned to 82nd Airborne. He then attended Special Warfare School, Jump School, Jump Master School, Language School and Ranger School.

Deployed to Vietnam as Advisory team leader and Provincial Operations Officer directing air and ground operations throughout Vihn Bihn Province. While serving, he was awarded multiple Bronze Stars, air medals, Combat Infantry Badge, Jump Wings, the Vietnamese Gallantry Cross and two Purple Hearts.

After his service, he relocated to Houston, attended and graduated Cum Laude from University of Houston with his degree in Architecture and eventually became partner with Cole Smith Associates.

He coached West University Little League, was a charter member of both the Houston City Club and Country Place Club and was involved in the St Patrick’s parade commission, Houstonian’s for Ireland and was Chairman of the Irish Open Golf Tournament in Houston.

He was married to, and had two sons with, Carolyn Grannis Smith.

From 1995 until his passing, he was happily married to Stephanie Smith(Zimmerman) with whom, during their 25 years together enjoyed traveling to many exotic locales including the Caribbean, Costa Rica, the Panama Canal and of course their favorite watering hole, Ron’s Pub.

In addition to his wife and sons, Dustin(married to Lori) and Sean, he is survived by his grandchildren: Ahnan, Wilona, Sienna, and Brynn and many in laws and great friends.

Friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life at Ron’s Pub on Saturday March 6th from noon until 3pm.