Michael Lawrence Smith

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Michael Lawrence Smith, who left us too soon on January 17, 2025, at the age of 71. Mike was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, whose zest for life and passion for technology inspired all who knew him. Mike is preceded in his death by his parents Robert Warren Smith and Mary Louise Bender Smith. Born on September 25, 1953, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, his family soon moved to St Louis, Missouri. Mike earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Southwest Missouri State University, majoring in engineering and marketing. After graduating, Mike moved to Texas where he lived much of his adult life. Mike spent most of his career in technology working for premier US companies including Texas Instruments, Zenith Data Systems, Dell Computers, and Motorola. At the beginning of his career, Mike was part of a NASA project and was enormously proud of the time he spent there. Mike was on some of the earliest teams working in artificial intelligence, led a group that produced some of the earliest podcasts, and led yet another team that created one of the first “apps” for use by insurance agents. An imaginative thinker, Mike was frequently on the cusp of new technologies and their application. As a devoted family man, Michael took immense pride in his role as a husband to his beloved wife, Janet Ann Smith, and as a father to his son, John Paul Maly. Mike cherished every moment spent with his granddaughter Sophie, who brought boundless joy to his life. His warmth and kindness extended to his daughter-in-law, Emmily, and his brother and sister-in-law, Doug and Gail Smith, creating a close-knit family bond that will always be cherished. Mike lived life to the fullest. He was an avid motorcyclist for many years, spent hours of fun on the water riding jet skis and piloting his boat At Last, and enjoyed cruising the roads in his sports car. A dedicated audiophile, Mike furnished his “Man Cave” with the best equipment he could find. In retirement, Mike moved to Williamsburg, Virginia and continued his passion for space and technology. He built three computers, including a pink one for his granddaughter. He became an avid Flight Simulator enthusiast, navigating the skies from the comfort of home. Combining his love of music, technology, and Christ, Mike created a beautiful website devoted to cathedrals and medieval music. Mike had a unique ability to find joy in every moment, encouraging those around him to embrace life with the same enthusiasm. Mike’s legacy will live on through his family and the countless lives he touched. Michael Lawrence Smith will be remembered for his unwavering love, integrity, and boundless spirit. He was a man of deep faith, confident that he would spend eternity in heaven with his Lord and Savior. A celebration of Mike’s life will be held on April 26, 2025 at Olive Branch Christian Church in Williamsburg, Virginia. We invite all who knew him to join us in honoring his memory. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a charity supporting education and aviation scholarships in Mike’s name, continuing his passion for learning and exploration.

Michael Lawrence Smith

September 25, 1953 - January 17, 2025