Michael D. “Mike” Smith, 69, of Buda, passed away peacefully on June 17, with his beloved wife Martha, son Eric and daughter-in-law Jenny, sister Lynda, and nephew Jason by his side. He was especially blessed with the love and companionship of family and friends during his final days, who shared memories of a life well-lived.
Mike was born in San Diego, California, to Bill and Louise Smith on October 20, 1952, where his father was stationed in the Navy. After numerous duty stations, Bill retired, and the family moved to Brownwood when Mike was 11. He met his best friends there and developed lifelong relationships.
Mike graduated from Brownwood High School in 1970. He earned a bachelor’s degree from The University of Texas at Arlington in 1974. He moved to Austin in 1976 where he met and later married the former Martha Carrico. After moving to Buda in 1983, the couple raised two sons, Evan Michael and Eric. Mike coached his sons’ youth soccer and baseball teams, took them camping, taught them to fish, and spent weekends centered around their activities. He was the role model Eric plans to emulate as a father.
He worked in construction supply sales for more than 30 years and ended his career as the branch manager at Builder’s Gypsum in Round Rock. Mike loved travelling with Martha, especially to Whidbey Island, WA, and Monterey, CA; golfing; hiking in Big Bend up to his favorite tree on the South Rim trail; running the Capitol 10K with Eric and Jenny; floating the Frio River, and playing guitar with his childhood buddies. He also enjoyed being outdoors, gardening, eating ice cream, and was the consummate family man and friend.
Mike is survived by his wife, Martha Smith, of 43 years; son Eric Smith and his wife Jenny Pier, of Buda; sister Lynda Harris & her husband Dwain of Bastrop; brother-in-law Glenn Gardner and his wife Gaye of Plano; sister-in-law Janet Huston and her husband Gary Williams of Driftwood; brother-in-law Dennis Luther and his wife Deb of Albuquerque, NM; sister-in-law Kaye Larberg and her husband Matt, of Cypress;
Nieces/Nephews: Jason Craig, and his wife Jenna Simpson; Katie Nelson; Erin and her husband Nick Ytuarte; Cody Luther; and Great Nieces/Nephews: Evan Annette Nelson; and Elizabeth and Nico Ytuarte; as well as numerous relatives and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents Bill and Louise Smith; brother Randy Smith; son Evan Michael Smith; and his two Labrador Retrievers – Hup and Woodrow.
A Celebration of Mike’s life will be held on Saturday, June 25, 11 AM, at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, 11819 South I-35 Frontage Rd South, Austin, where he and Martha have been members for more than 32 years. The Rev. Peggy Lo will officiate. Burial will be at Live Oak Cemetery, Manchaca, with a reception to follow at St. Alban’s Church. Visitation is scheduled on Friday, June 24, 5-7 PM, at Harrell Funeral Home, Kyle.
The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the loving caregivers who supported Martha in caring for Mike in his final years, and to their church family at St. Alban’s.
Memorial donations may be made to Big Bend Conservancy, www.BigBendConservancy.org.
