Michael Brian Smith: Obituary

Mr. Michael Brian Smith age 76 of Pit Rd. Blairsville passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Friday November 29, 2019 in the North East GA Medical Center.   Mr. Smith was born on Jan. 19, 1943 in Mauldin, MA., the son of the late Richard Robert Smith and the late Doris Howe Smith.  He has been battling life with dementia and other health issues.  Mr. Smith was always happy, always smiling and telling or playing jokes and loved his family.  He never met a stranger and always had a story to share.   Michael retired from the CSX Rail Road after many years of service. Michael was a lifelong NASCAR fan. He served as photographer for the North GA News, Towns County Herald and the Sanford Herald for many years. He was very involved with the Waycross Motor Speedway and drove # 36. He served as Track Stuart for several years at the Tri County Speedway in Murphy. He and his wife Judy were co -founders of the Butternut Creek Festival in Blairsville. Michael was preceded in death by his parents and also two sisters and one brother in law, Patricia and Carl Vanzura and Kathy Burke.   He was a very loving husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather and great grandfather. Michael was a very devout catholic and was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church.

Surviving Mr. Smith are his loving wife and best friend of fifty six years, Judy Van Winkle Smith of Blairsville, two daughters, Jennifer Duckett of Lula, GA., Teresa Smith and fiancée Teddy Brown of Asheboro, NC., one son and daughter in law,  Michael Brian and Kristine Smith Jr., of Lawrenceville, GA., his siblings, Betty Senger of Auburn, AL., Daniel Smith and wife Donna of Robbins, TN.,  Peg Monfort and husband Keith of Eugene, ORE.,  Sister Mary Joan Smith of Camp Hill, PA., Steve Smyth of Blairsville, GA., Greg Smith of DeBary, FL., Nita Cadden and husband Dan of Maitland, FL.,  Julie Roach and husband Will of Maitland, FL., seven grandchildren, Jessica Muller and husband Stephen of Gainesville GA., Justin White and fiancée Alexa Havens of Lake Mary, Fla., Haley Jordan and Cory Doss of Oakwood Ga., Michael Corey Smith of Duluth, Ga., Calista White of Boone, NC., Morgan Duckett of Buford, GA., Savannah Duckett of Lula, GA. and one great grandchild, Avery Oliver Doss, several nieces, nephews, many other relatives and friends also survive.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. (Date and time will be confirmed soon).  Special music will be presented by Ron Gaucher .  Interment will follow in St. Clare’s Haven. In lieu of flowers if you wish, the family requests that donations may be made to the Butternut Creek Festival in care of High County Artisan’s in Mr. Smith’s memory. The family will meet with friends following the services.

Mountain View Funeral Home of Blairsville, GA is in charge of the arrangements. You may sign the family guest book and send condolences on line at www.mountainviewfuneralhome.com