Mike Smith

Born in San Luis Obispo, California in 1944 to Sam and Kathryn Smith, Mike Smith made his first trip home to Pike County when he was almost one year old. Being the first son and grandson, he was much anticipated and warmly welcomed upon arrival.  After an extended battle with Alzheimer's, Mike finished his earthly race near midnight on June 25, 2026, at Heritage Nursing Home in Barnesville, and made his last trip home to Pike County at age 81. Or at least his body made that last trip. We believe that, because of his faith in Jesus Christ, the real Mike had already made his best trip--to Eternity with his Savior, and also a heavenly reunion with his loving parents and his father-in-law. 

Phillip Michael "Mike" Smith grew up mainly in Pike County with intermittent stints in Tennessee as his father was a railroad man.  He graduated from Pike County High School in 1962.  He then joined the United States Marine Corp like his father before him (which explains how a Pike County boy was born in California).  In his early 20s, he became the youngest person to be elected to the Pike County board of education; In 1969, he went into the well business, first buying Duffey Well Drilling, and then founding Aqua Wells.  In the late 70s, he got into the insurance business, working first for Pike County Farm Bureau and later opening his own agencies in Thomasville and then in Griffin. 

Mike was probably best known for his outgoing personality and "gift of gab".  He was a gifted communicator who didn't meet a stranger.  He was also intensely competitive and loved sports, hunting, and shooting.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his father-in-law, Jimmy Strickland; his mother-in-law, Bobbie Cummins; and his brother-in-law, Jimmy Lynn Strickland.

Mike is survived by his wife, Sheila; his son, Bart Smith; sons and daughters-in-law, Michael & Taunya Smith, and Sam & Shawn Smith; daughter and son-in-law, Vonda & Billy Blount; sister and brother-in-law, Wanda & Howard Johnson; brothers and sisters-in-law, Randy & Donna Smith and Mark & Penny Smith; grandchildren, Blake Blount (Leah), Ethan Blount (Maggie), Dalton Smith, Taylor Marion (Hunter), Ridge Smith, Mady-Kate Smith, and River Smith; great-grandchildren, Beckett, Alena, Nora Kay, Elsie, and Rosemary Blount; mother-in-law, Dorenda Strickland, brothers-in-law, Leon Strickland and Chad Strickland; and sister-in-law, Charity Parish (Brooks); as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, June 29, 2026, at 11 a.m., in the Pavilion at Christ Chapel, 68 Old Zebulon Road, Zebulon.  Pastor Michael Smith will officiate.  Burial will follow in Mt. Gilead Baptist Church Cemetery.

Friends may visit the family after the service at the graveside.