Spc. Michael J. Smith

Spc. Michael J. Smith

Michael J. Smith Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jan. 28, 2005.
As a teenager, Michael Smith dropped out of high school and sang in a heavy-metal band. So his decision to join the Army was made even more surprising when his long locks were shaved into a crew cut. "He thought it was important that we be there and help these people," said his father, James H. Smith. "He was all about helping and doing what he could to help liberate these people, politics aside." Smith, 24, of Media, Pa., was killed Jan. 11 when a rocket-propelled grenade hit his military vehicle in Ramadi. He is survived by his wife, Oksana, whom he met while stationed at Camp Casey, South Korea. Smith had been close to his father since the boy's mother died of cancer in 1995. The two spoke about every other week during Smith's six months of service in Iraq. Michael Smith last visited home in September; his father said he showed no fear of returning to Iraq. "He was there to do his job, which he loved. He often said that `I'm doing what I'm trained to do,'" James Smith said.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Michael J. Smith's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

July 22, 2024

Charlie Gili posted to the memorial.

January 11, 2013

Peggy Childers posted to the memorial.

January 11, 2012

Peggy Childers posted to the memorial.

Charlie Gili

July 22, 2024

Hello,
We wanted to let your family and friends know that we are sending Care Packages to deployed troops this week and some of these will be dedicated to your loved one. Each package will carry the name, photo and hometown of Michael J. Smith US Army Specialist.

We realize that this is a small tribute, but we do this with all respect and sincerity and we want you to know that it is made possible by thousands of like-minded individuals from across the American youth hockey community, their families and friends and others who support our mission.

We will not forget. May God Bless you and keep you safe and strong.

Sincerely,
Charlie Gili & Family
On Behalf of our US Hockey Players Support Our Troops Campaign

Peggy Childers

January 11, 2013

To the family and friends of Spc. Michael J. Smith:
It has truly been my honor to sign Michael's guest book these past few years. Unfortunately, due to complications from my Multiple Sclerosis, this may be the last message I'm able to write. Please forgive me and know that Michael will always be remembered in my home.
With love and respect ~ Peggy

Peggy Childers

January 11, 2012

To the family and friends of Spc. Michael J. Smith:
Always remembering Michael. "Some gave all."

Peggy Childers

January 11, 2011

To the family and friends of Spc. Michael J. Smith:
Please accept my remembrance of Michael on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
Peggy Childers
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

Peggy Childers

January 11, 2010

To the family and friends of Spc. Michael J. Smith:
Remembering Michael on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away'
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

Michelle Joynt

January 13, 2009

Thank you to the family of Spc. Michael Smith for raising a fine young man. Thank you for YOUR sacrifice for our freedoms. Your son/husband will not be forgotten. I'm sure his Mom was there to see him through the gates of heaven.
God bless all of you,
Michelle

In Memory of Michael ~ (Debra Estep)

January 11, 2009

Holding you all in my thoughts and prayers.


The Wind on The Downs

“I like to think of you as brown and tall,
As strong and living as you used to be,
In khaki tunic, Sam Brown belt and all,
And standing there and laughing down at me.
Because they tell me, dear, that you are dead,
Because I can no longer see your face,
You have not died, it is not true, instead
You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe;
I hear you laughing as you used to do,
Yet loving all the things I think of you;
And knowing you are happy, should I grieve?
You follow and are watchful where I go.”

(Written by Marian Allen during World War l )

Two lines that I wish you to keep near your heart…….

“You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe”


I did not know Michael, but I am remembering
his service and sacrifice. He is my hero. !

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Other Side

i'm over on the other side
where life and death softly divide.
left my skin and bones behind
now i'm over on the other side.

can you feel me there with you?
my breath is gone but i'm not through.
loved you then and i still do
from over on the other side.

i can fly. really fly.
below the earth ... all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.

it's good here on the other side.
the sweetest songs...the bluest skies.
thank you for the tears you cried
but it's good here on the other side.

i can fly. really fly. below the earth...all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side

the world is smaller than a needle's eye.
where life and death softly divide.
when you leave your skin and bones behind
i'll be waiting on the other side.

i can fly. really fly. below the earth ... all through the sky.
go tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.

Song lyrics by Don Conoscenti
C Desert Muse/SESAC
www.donconoscenti.com
(Used with permission)

“I hope it brings great comfort to any and all.
Peace on you. DonCon” 4-2008


The Other Side –
(To hear the song)
http://tinyurl.com/3o8gol



Sincerely,

Deb Estep ~ Ohio
Proud Air Force Mom SSgt Vince – Lackland AFB
Proud Air Force MIL SrA Dana – Randolph AFB

Remembering The Fallen – Blog
http://tinyurl.com/3z8p55

Angel and soldier drawing I have shared here.
http://tinyurl.com/6gey8b

Peggy Childers

January 11, 2009

To the family of Spc. Michael J. Smith:
Michael gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

August 15, 2007

There is nothing that I can say or do to take away the pain or bring you peace in your time of sorrow, but I will offer you and your family my heart felt condolences. I also offer you my prayers that in time the pain will easy and the memories of your HERO will carry you through each day and night. I want to thank your HERO, for his/her selfless act of becoming a member of the armed forces, his/her willingness to defend the United States of America, all that we hold sacred and for the sacrifice that will forever be etched in the memories of all those who knew him/her. Though tears can never bring him/her back, we hope that our tears express our gratitude for the sacrifice that he/she made and our sorrow at his/her passing. I believe for every fallen HERO there is a star shining brightly up above to remind us of the precious gift we were given.

Your mission on earth is complete and you are now a member of GOD’s Heavenly armed forces. Stand down brave warrior and take your rightful place in Heaven with all the HEROES who have passed before.

I made a special promise to LE RON A. WILSON, a dear family friend who joined the Army with three other friends, one of whom is my son (Le Ron was killed in action on 07/06/07 at the age of 18) on the day he was laid to rest as I touched his coffin, that I would never forget him nor would I forget those that gave their lives for our country before him, with him and after him and so when I came across www.legacy.com, I thought what a great way to keep my promise to Le Ron, so I will continue to leave tributes in each guest book until the day there is no longer the need to leave these tributes to a FALLEN HERO.

REST IN PEACE, HERO, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!

PROUD MOTHER OF A U.S. SOLDIER
Currently stationed in Germany
Althea Barrett(Queens, NY)

Carmen Rossi

January 11, 2007

I can't believe it's been two years today. I am so prud of you...miss you buddy...

Garnet Jenkins

January 11, 2007

A Multitude of Thanks, to this Brave Young Soldier, who gave his life for our Country and for Freedom. two years ago today.
Thank you for your Courage, and your unselfish Dedication and Service.
Rest In Peace Spc. Michael J. Smith, in God's Loving Care and to the Smith Family, may the Peace of God be you.

Those who Made the Ultimate Sacrifice, So Many and So Young, shall Never Be Forgotten, my brother among them. KIA-Vietnam 1967.

I am sincerely hoping that you continue to feel the thoughts of caring and support that surround you each day, as this Country remembers someone very precious to you, who is a Hero to all of us.
I am so deeply sorry for your loss.

"I will lift up my eyes to the hills-
from whence comes my help?
My help comes from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth."
~ Psalm 121:1-2 ~

Tom Gugliuzza-Smith

January 11, 2007

Michael two years ago today you were taken. You are my hero and you will NEVER be forgotten. To the Smith family; I visit ANC often and I continue to visit/honor Michael. From the most inner part of my heart I am so sorry he was taken from you.

Carmen Rossi

January 4, 2007

Mike, I miss you, You were a great friend. May you rest in peace...I'm proud of you.

theresa/robert fallen

October 22, 2006

navy league philadelphia member, robert and theresa fallen , our son is in the navy , we send our blessing to the family , our prayers are with you ,

ROBYN GARSIDE

September 20, 2006

MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS. I HAVE JUST LEARNED OF YOUR GREAT LOSS AND WISH TO EXPRESS MY DEEPEST SYMPATHIES. PLEASE KNOW THAT THERE ARE PEOPLE OUT HERE WHO DO CARE AND YOUR HERO WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. HOLD TIGHT TO YOUR TREASURED MEMORIES THAT HIS SPECIAL SMILE MAY CONTINUE TO SHINE ON. I PRAY THAT PEACE WILL FIND YOU ALL SOMEDAY. STAY STRONG AND GODSPEED. SEMPER FI



A PROUD MARINE MOM

Tom Gugliuzza-Smith

August 24, 2006

To the Smith family: I previously signed Michael's guest book. I live close to ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY and I visit there two or three times a week. Each time I am at ANC I always stop by and visit/honor Michael. Some one had placed rosary beads on his headstone. I took a picture of the rosaries. If you would like me to e mail the picture just contact me via my e mail. Know that Michael is my hero and that he will NEVER be forgotten.

Tom

Thomas

June 2, 2006

"Honor is the blessing bestowed upon men who give up of their lives, so that we may enjoy our own."

George Washington, Feb 16th 1778

Howard Cylinder

May 29, 2006

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life’s routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Pat Canfall

April 10, 2006

My condolences to the Smith family.

Michael may you rest in peace. Thank you for making the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom. You have earned your golden halo and wings. May you continue to soar in the heavenly clouds up above.

Vangi & McKaLyne Lunsford

January 30, 2006

Psalm 23



1

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

2

He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,

3

He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

4

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

5

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

6

Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.



This is a verse that I have found to be comforting to me during my husbands death. Remember that when it seems that no one else is round, God is still there with you! And he will be your rock!



My daughter,McKaLyne, and I send our heartfelt sympathy for your loss! God Bless this warrior, God Bless those whom serve freedom's cause! They are our true HERO's!!!!



If you need anything, please feel free to contact me!!!



Wife & Daughter of the Late

Sgt. Audrey Daron Lunsford

KIA May 23, 2005

Tom Gugliuzzas-Smith

December 3, 2005

My heartfelt sympathy to the Smith family in the loss of your dear son/husband and hero Michael. I did not know your son, ( I lived in the Easton/Bangor PA area 50 yrs.) but my heart is broken and I am sadden for your loss of such a young man. May God bring you peace in your heart as you reflect on all the wonderful memories you hold so close. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers.

I send each of you a hug from my heart. Dad, I am so sorry for the loss of your wife and now your son.

Love and Peace

Tom



To live in the hearts

of those you leave behind

is never to die"

~Robert Orr~

Major Arnold Huskins, USAF

May 23, 2005

Dear Mr. Smith and Jim,



May I offer my condolences to you both upon the passing of your American hero son/brother, Michael, in Iraq in January.



Please know that other Americans share in your loss and are concerned. It is my prayer that God may continue to bless you with His peace, comfort, and strength during this difficult time.



May Michael's bravery and devotion to our country and its safety be a source of pride to your family, an inspiration to his peers and forever remembered by a grateful nation!



Sincerely, with deepest sympathy,

THERESA ANN FALLEN

April 27, 2005

i am a navy mom from phila pa, i just read the death notice , i would have been there for your family , to pay my respects,if i read it sooner, i thank you for serving ,god bless you, and your family, you and your family will a;ways be in our prayers theresa fallen{navy mom, usn navy league}

Lisa

January 19, 2005

We would like to extend our heartfelt sympathies to your family on the loss of your brave son. Our son (21) has been in Iraq with the Army 125th since January 2004 and came home for 2 weeks R& R at Christmas. Like Michael, he too, believed in his mission. Your son is a true American hero and you have every reason to be proud of him. My prayers will be with you all during these most difficult times. My Dad is buried in Arlington and what a deserving honor for your son and brother - our hero. My thoughts will be with you on Friday, too. May God Bless You and comfort you during the days ahead. Know that my young children and I will add you and Michael to our daily prayers. I am sure that Michael is already guarding Heaven's Scene. My heartfelt sympathy to you on your tremendous loss and know that others share in your sorrow. God Bless You.

Eileen

January 19, 2005

I would like to offer my deepest sympathy to the Smith family.

Our world is a better place because of the bravery of your loved one.

Life is so good here we often forget what it would be like to live somewhere else. If it was not for the dedication and bravery of our military who knows what would have happened since 9-11.

God give you comfort in your great loss. THIS MAN IS A TRUE HERO.

God Bless America and our troops.

Peace be with you all.

Showing 1 - 26 of 26 results

Make a Donation
in Michael J. Smith's name

How to support Michael J.'s loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services, and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Michael J. Smith's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sponsored

Sign Michael J. Smith's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

July 22, 2024

Charlie Gili posted to the memorial.

January 11, 2013

Peggy Childers posted to the memorial.

January 11, 2012

Peggy Childers posted to the memorial.