Michael Hugh Smith

Michael H. Smith (affectionately called Mike), passed away peacefully at this home in Mineral Springs on Friday morning at 1:12 a.m. Mike had been battling Parkinson's Disease since 2003 and Dementia for the past several years. He and his wife, Carolyn, actually travelled to Beijing, China, in 2008 for 2 months of Stem Cell therapy for his Parkinsons's Disease with hopes and prayers that the therapy would stop the devastation of the disease. Mike was born in Monroe, NC, on May 26, 1939. His parents were Thomas P. Smith and Clara Howie Smith McDonald, both deceased. He has one brother, Thomas P. Smith II, of Monroe. Mike attended and graduated from the Mineral Springs High School and attended Wingate Junior College, receiving an associate's degree. He was co-founder of the very first fully integrated county-wide garbage collection service for Union County. Mike was a retiree of the Union County Governmental Center. After serving in various positions, he retired as Senior Property Appraiser and Assistant Tax Assessor in October, 1997, after 33 years of service. He lived in Mineral Springs with his parents while growing up and had been a life-long member of the Mineral Spring United Methodist Church. After marrying Carolyn Stack Smith in 1960, the young couple lived in Monroe for three years. In 1963 they moved to Mineral Springs and made their home there since then. Mike and wife Carolyn loved to travel and in their travels attended flea markets, auctions, car shows and estate sales far and wide. Together they collected antiques of various sorts. Mike especially loved Mustangs, Thunderbirds, jukeboxes, console radios and antiques advertising. In their travels, they met and made lasting friends with folks from all around the country. His pride and joy was owning a 1970 GT500 Shelby convertible which is currently undergoing restoration. Unfortunately, Mike did not survive long enough to see his dream car in completion. Mike is survived by his wife Carolyn; two children, Karen Gamble and husband Gordon, and Kelly Smith; three grandsons, Casey, Weston and Austin Gamble; and future daughter-in-law, Crystyl Chavis. Mike and Carolyn lost a daughter in 1969 due to an automobile accident. Her name was Robin Denise and she would now have been 53 years old. Mike has now joined her in Heaven. Gordon Funeral Service Crematory is in charge of final arrangements. Visitation will take place at Gordon's on Saturday evening from 5:30-7:30. The funeral will be held at 3:00 p.m. at the Mineral Springs United Methodist Church on Sunday afternoon. Any donation in Mike's name are requested to be sent to THE PARSON OF THE HILLS MINISTRY. Address is 7720 Valley Haven Drive, Hickory, NC28602; Tele 828-328-3920. Also, donations can be sent to the Pleasant Grove Campground, Mineral Springs, NC 28108. The family wishes to extend their gratitude for the many, many prayers and acts of kindness bestowed upon them during Mike's long illness.