Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1939
DIED
2017
FUNERAL HOME
Michael Smith Obituary
A native of Augusta, Georgia, Father Smith was ordained by Bishop Thomas J. McDonough at St. Mary on the Hill Church in Augusta in 1966. He began his priestly service as an assistant pastor at Blessed Sacrament Parish in Savannah. During the period from 1968 to 1979 he served as director of the Department of Christian Formation and the director of Camp Villa Marie in Savannah.
Father Smith was pastor of St. Anthony Church in Savannah (now Resurrection of Our Lord) from 1979 to 1988, pastor of St. Matthew Church in Statesboro and St. Boniface Church in Springfield from 1988 to 1997, and pastor of Holy Redeemer Church in McRae and its mission, St. Mark Church in Eastman from 1997 to 2001.
He retired after serving as pastor of Immaculate Conception Church in Moultrie and St. John Vianney Mission in Camilla from 2001 to 2007. He has been living in retirement in Statesboro.
Father Smith was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Anna Heffernan Smith, and his brother, David Smith.
Survivors include his sister and brother-in-law Anne (Joseph) Melanson; a niece Cathy (Joe) Perry; four nephews, Daniel (Brenda), Stephen (Nikki), Paul, and Andrew; sister-in-law, Gloria Smith; seven great nieces and nephews and many cousins; his brother priests, especially Father Tom Nellis and members of the Jesus Caritas fraternity.
At 3:00 PM on Wednesday, June 28th Father Mike's body will be welcomed into St. Matthew's Catholic Church, in Statesboro, GA where his body will lie in state until 7:00 PM.
A Vigil Service, including the meditative praying of the Rosary, will be held at 7:00 PM Wednesday at St. Matthew's Church.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Noon on Thursday, June 29th in St. Matthew's Church, followed by a luncheon reception in the parish's adjoining social hall.
At 11:00 AM on Friday, June 30th, all who are able are invited to gather at the Priests' Plot of the Catholic Cemetery in Savannah, GA for prayers of commendation and burial. This will be followed by a luncheon, for attending priests and family members, at the Diocesan Pastoral Center, 2170 E. Victory Drive, Savannah, GA.
Memorials may be made to ICMC, 14 Beacon St, Suite #610, Boston, MA 02108; Ogeechee Area Hospice, P.O. Box 531, Statesboro, GA 30459; or St. Matthew Catholic Church, 221 John Paul Avenue, Statesboro, GA 30458.
Please visit our online memorial at www.hodgesmoore.com to sign the guest book and share fond memories with the Smith family.
Hodges-Moore Funeral Home of Statesboro is in charge of arrangements
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Smith
David Hudson
July 11, 2017
I wonder how many of us have grown spiritually as much as Mike did.
Bill Hanley
July 10, 2017
Sincerest sympathy to the Smith and Heffernan families. Mike was like family to us having been my roommate at Notre Dame, the priest who married us and the friend for life. His love and care for others, especially those in need, has been exemplary. He will be deeply missed, fondly remembered and greatly loved.
Jerry Kriegshauser
July 10, 2017
To Mike's family: Mike was a good friend at Notre Dame from 1957 to 1961. I had just written him a Mass card for his intentions when I learned of his passing. I will now offer Mass for the repose of his soul. He shared in the Lord's ministry and suffering, may he share in his glorious resurrection.
Susan Riley
July 2, 2017
Father Mike was a dear family friend and a wonderful man. He always tried to do what was right and had a great overall personality. As a Catholic priest he ministered to all and especially cared for those less fortunate. He was always kind and understanding. Thank you, Father Mike, for all you have done for our family especially my mother Barbara Braun though the years. I feel blessed to have been privileged to know you for so many years. Father Mike will surely be resting more peacefully in heaven now but those of us still on earth will miss your smiling face and words of encouragement.
Ben Goggins
June 28, 2017
My deepest sympathy for Fr. Smith's family and friends. We came to know Fr. Smith back in the 1980's through Sister Catherine Moore, who ran the Social Apostolate in Savannah. She lived in a mobile home behind St. Anthony's and said that Fr. Smith had a heart for the poor like no other. When Jesse Jackson appeared in the Civic Center in his 1988 run for President, there were three white faces in the audience - me, my wife, and Fr. Smith. What great company.
Mike Connolly
June 28, 2017
Bishop Hartmeyer, brother priests, family and friends,
I had the pleasure of Fr. Mike as my pastor at St. Boniface in Springfield. I kindly remember his homilies and the unique presentation style he used. I truly enjoyed his homily delivered during the funeral Mass for Msgr. Francis Nelson not too long ago. Please know my prayers and thoughts are with him and all of you. He truly was a great pastor in the vineyard of South Georgia.
roma drummer
June 28, 2017
memory is a special place in our heart where we fine confort in the treasured thoughts of those we hold dear. may it help to know that others care deeply and remembering you with special thoughts. you was a friend to us , and as a member of the bulloch county branch of the NAACP we will all miss you. rest in peace.
Elizabeth Koch
June 26, 2017
Dear Father Smith,
I will miss you so much; I always loved hearing you call my name as I walked down the aisle of the Church. We had many wonderful conversations, and I will miss them. I love having a friend in Heaven, and I definitely know that's where you are!
Sharon Aragona
June 25, 2017
Father Mike was a exemplary priest who ministered to my parents and family in Statesboro for many years. We will always be grateful for his very human and prayerful presence in our lives.
Sharon and John Aragona
Naples, FL
Patricia Barbee
June 25, 2017
To the Loved Ones: I too add my words of "Thanks to God" for Fr. Mike. He gave good counsel and great homilies. Two forever are in my heart. He was indeed a ray of sunshine from Heaven's light personified.
He won't "rest in peace" because he's having a grand time, corralling the children on the other side for games at the new Camp Villa Marie.
Corletta Hardy
June 25, 2017
Father Smith you will live on through the hearts of the people,you touch you were the father who baptized my oldest 2 children at St.Anthony's Catholic Church when we join back in 1985 or 1986 take your rest father Smith you were the best.
Lakesher Span
June 24, 2017
Father Michael i will forever be grateful for all you have done for me and my son you was like a father i never had. When i think of you i see nothing but love you was a man that had a big heart and a smile that shine so bright and with you there was no shade of color no rich or poor just unconditional love your heart was pure as gold in the last time I talk to you I remember you said something that touch my heart so much when you said that you were ready to go home to the Lord because he promised you a place in his kingdom and then you ask me Lakeisha what is your son name when I get there I'm going to go find him. I love you mr. Michael from the depths of my heart and I will forever be grateful and when your godson grows up I'm going to show him your picture and tell him about this wonderful and kind man that God had place in our life and i will never forget you i love you , i miss you and even your funny Jokes Father Michael Smith enjoy your place in God's beautiful kingdom.
June 22, 2017
Father Mike is one of the few people I have known for most of my life. He was at every important event in my life. He knew me as a teenager and still loved me. He had just the right thing to say to me when I stumbled or faltered (there were many times!) and still loved me. He loved the poor people in Cuernavaca, living amongst them. He loved the prisoners in Georgia and read with them, prayed with them and loved them despite their crimes. He loved his parishioners, he loved Camp Villa Marie campers. Michael Smith was one of the most innocent, childlike people to ever walk God's earth. Christlike is how I describe him. This world has lost a most wonderful man. Heaven has another angel returning. Bill Coleman and the litany of saints met him at the pearly gates. My condolences to the family. ----- Lisa Coleman
Carroll Quinn
June 22, 2017
Many prayers for the family of Fr. Mike. Rest In Peace my friend.
Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results
Make a Donation
in Michael Smith's name
Memorial Events
for Michael Smith
How to support Michael's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
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 moreResources to help you cope with loss
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
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
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Michael 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
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
