Michael E. Smith

Michael Eric Smith, age 65, of Lakeland, FL, passed away at 4:10 pm on Monday January 24, 2022, at Home with family by his side. Born on Sunday, February 5, 1956, at Sacred Heart Memorial Hospital, Garrett IN, he was the son of Charles E. and Lavonne A. Smith.

Mike grew up in Columbia City, IN and attended Columbia City High School and graduated in 1975. He enrolled at ITT Tech in Fort Wayne and completed an associate degree in Digital Electronics in 1977. He then worked for Motorola in Chicago and Magnavox in Fort Wayne before taking a job with E-Systems/Raytheon in Alice Springs, Australia in 1985. He spent 25 years working in Central Australia as an electronic engineer and moving thru the ranks until he was chief engineer. He earned several outstanding performance awards and Raytheon System Engineer of the Year. He retired in 2008 to Lakeland, FL and enjoyed gardening, travelling, watching old movies, and TV series.

Survivors include his mother Lavonne Smith, 3 brothers Randy, Timothy, and Charles Jr., 2 Sister-in-laws, Kimberly, and Kathy.

He was preceded in death by his father Charles E. Smith Sr.

A private graveside service for Mike will be held at Oak Grove (Compton) Cemetery, Columbia City.

Local arrangements by DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City.

Visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the online guest book.