Michael D. Smith

Michael Don Smith, 70, of Beeville, Texas, passed away Saturday, October 12, 2024. Michael was attended by his wife, Sylvia Garcia-Smith, and passed peacefully after an extended illness.

Michael was preceded in death by his mother, Carol Mae Kennedy Smith (1995); his son, Jimmy Cress (2011); and his father, James Monroe Smith (2018).

Michael is survived by his wife, Sylvia Garcia-Smith of Beeville; his Mom Earlene Smith of California; two grandchildren, Molly and Hayden Cress and their mother, Mindy Forbes, of Ellijay, Georgia; his brothers, Ben (Lilli) Smith of South Dakota, Kelly (Joan) Smith of Washington and Brian (Laura) Smith of Arizona; and his beloved Aunt Lillian Healey.

Michael was born in 1954 in Riverside, California. When he was eligible, he enlisted in the United States Army. He proudly served from 1971 to 1987, as a Paratrooper under the 101st Airborne Division. Michael was medically discharged as a disabled veteran in 1987. 

Michael was a man of few words and rare smiles. He preferred the solitary life of a mountain man in Washington State. He never thought he would leave his mountain sanctuary, but a South Texas native visiting Washington in 1998 would change his life forever. His love for Sylvia would draw him to South Texas. Even the shock to his whole being, that the South Texas unrelenting summer heat and biting cold winters produced did not deter the love he felt for his wife, Sylvia. 

He adjusted to the weather by staying in his home and just chilling. Michael’s stoic exterior and gruff mountain man attitude melted away when a dog or cat was in front of him. Michael was extremely loving and caring for these “fur babies” always ensuring they were safe and cared for. Early in his life in Beeville, Texas, he would adopt 15 stray kitties that would come visit him for food. Michael’s life was filled with many other “fur babies” and he carried them all in his heart throughout the years. Michael hurt tremendously when he lost any animal or pet to illnesses or ones he could not rescue. He never stopped feeling bad about his “lost children.” 

Michael loved all his family members fiercely but was more reserved in his ability to demonstrate that deep love. His Mom Earlene, grandchildren and brothers were always in his thoughts. While he rarely called them, he always talked about them with love and affection. To his last day, Michael mourned the loss of his son Jimmy, his dad James, his beloved grandparents and uncle. In his long convalescence, Michael spoke of them often. At first, he expressed his hope that they would all be together again. Towards the end of his life, he expressed his certainty that he would be with them soon in heaven. 

Michael is now resting and enjoying “ALL” his “fur babies” at the Rainbow Bridge, where they will all run and love each other together for eternity. Rest in peace Michael, until we meet again on the “other side.” 

An inurnment ceremony with military honors will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, November 8, 2024, at Beeville Memorial Park. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Michael may be made to the Beeville Animal Control.