Michael Leigh Smith, 69, a resident of Lubbock, Texas, passed away on Saturday, June 3, 2023, at his home.
Michael was born on April 5, 1954, in Jackson County, Missouri, the son of Van Royal Smith and Bonnie Amick Smith.
Michael had a passion for cooking and this passion led him to getting a culinary arts degree. He loved Pespi and it wasn’t uncommon for him to drink his customary 12 pack a day. Music was his favorite thing of all. He tried to pursue a music career in the 1970’s but unfortunately things didn’t work out the way he would’ve wanted. He was, however, able to meet many famous acts before they were household names. He had a love for the Beatles, with John Lennon being his favorite. Michael had a true servant’s heart, as he loved serving his family, his church, and Defeat MSA Alliance.
Mike lived to find answers to the disease that plagued his life for over 15 years. He served faithfully as a patient advocate and board member for Defeat MSA Alliance. His desire to help was so great that even in death, he is still searching for answers. Michael so graciously donated his brain to research for this disease along with a large donation to help fund the continued work of the organization he loved so dearly.
He will be sadly missed and forever remembered by his wife of 28 years, Donna (Allen) Smith of Lubbock, Texas; his daughter, Jennifer Marie Torres (current board member of Defeat MSA Alliance) and husband J Isaias Torres of Lamesa, Texas; one stepson, Benjamin Lee Ammerman and wife Christa Ammerman of Phoenix, Arizona; six grandchildren, J Isaac Ray Torres, Analia Marie Torres, J Noah Michael Torres, Shay Marie Torres, Alexander Ammerman, and Maximus Ammerman; one sister, Pamela Howells (patient advocate for Defeat MSA Alliance) of Wasilla, Alaska; and two nephews Cameron Howells and Travis Howells.
Michael was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Christopher Smith.The Mike Smith Fund is dedicated to MSA research.