Michael Dwight Smith, 69, of Wallace, South Carolina, passed away Saturday, May 23, 2026, after a lifelong battle with a lung disease.
He was born on May 10, 1957 in Hamlet, North Carolina, a son of the late Neil and Helen English Smith.
Mike’s life was marked by a wide range of experiences, both through his work and in his personal travels. He especially loved visiting the Appalachian Mountains. Music was also an important part of his life. He was involved with several bands and shared his gift for music by playing guitar at his church.
In time, Mike returned to Wallace, where he worked as a maintenance and groundskeeper at the Pee Dee Camp until his retirement. He also served with Wallace Fire and Rescue, driving the trucks and assisting with fires and medical emergencies.
Mike returned to his childhood church, Pleasant Hill Church, where he became a devoted member. He was actively involved in the choir and helped care for the cemetery. He deeply loved his church family and often invited people he met to come worship with him there. He was also inspired by the Christian love shown by his late sister, Jeanette Shaw.
Mike came from an extraordinarily large family, and he loved each one dearly. He especially enjoyed gathering with them at reunions and holidays.
He is survived by his siblings, Frances Walters, David Smith, Neil Smith (and wife Betty), Donna Morrow, Linda Blakley, Melvin Smith, Wade Smith, and a special brother, Bobby Brower.
Later in life, Mike met his wife, Cindy, and the two shared a deep devotion to one another. He welcomed her children and grandchildren as his own and was loving and caring to all his children. Mike often said that while he had four children, but he helped raise many more.
He leaves behind his children: Tina Smith (and wife Imelda) of Las Vegas; Dina Smith (and fiancé Jeffrey Chavis) of Wallace; Mikey Smith (and wife Rose) of Minnesota; Waylon Smith of Chesterfield; Jamie Polson of Chesterfield; Nicole Beck of Bennettsville; and John Mark Barber of the home. Mike was also very proud of his 14 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; along with many nieces, nephews and cousins whom he loved dearly.
A celebration of Mike’s life will be held on Sunday, May 31 at 3 p.m. at Pleasant Hill Church, with Pastor Jerry Shaw officiating. The family will receive friends from 1-2:30 p.m. prior to the service.
Memorials may be made to Pleasant Hill Church, P.O. Box 155, Wallace, SC 29596.
Online condolences may be made at watson-kingfuneralhome.com.
Watson-King Funeral Home in Hamlet is serving the Smith family.
