Michael R. Smith (Lansing)

Mr. Michael Ray Smith was born on Tuesday, October 26, 1954, in West Virginia to parents, Reginald and Nelgene Smith. He passed away on Monday, February 3, 2025, at 70 years old.

Michael was raised in Gauley Bridge, West Virginia. He graduated from Gauley Bridge high school. After moving to Michigan, he took a course in psychology at Lansing Community College (Couldn't get one over on him). He resided in Lansing, Michigan with his significant other, Tammy. 

Michael was born with Osteogenesis Imperfecta—also known as brittle bone disease—it is a genetic disorder that affects the strength and structure of bones, making them prone to fractures. As a result, he was the first home-schooled child in West Virginia due to him being bedfast for several years of his life. He was in and out of Shriner’s Crippled Children’s Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky. However, Michael did not allow that to stop him even though he was in a wheelchair. 

Michael enjoyed playing basketball and Nerf ball as a child. In addition, Michael and his buddies got together on Monday nights for several years to play axes & allies. He also loved to play EverQuest II (aka Oxcy/and Lacutis). He was a paladin at heart. EverQuest II allowed him to walk, run, jump and even fly. The true love of Michael’s life though was wheelchair Tennis. He practiced at MSU and in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He played in several tournaments for over thirty years, traveling to several states and winning several plaques and trophies. He continued to play until Covid-19 didn’t allow him to any longer.

Michael enjoyed watching movies; mostly horror movies that gave you nightmares. He also had the biggest passion for watching football; college and pro. Go Mountaineers! Go Browns!

Michael found humor in everything and was willing to help whenever he was able to do so; lend an ear to listen, a word of advice when needed or wanted—he was always there. 

Michael will be greatly missed and leaves to cherish his memory, his significant other, Tammy Lynn Thompson of Lansing, Michigan; niece, Sydney; nephews, Matthew Smith, Matthew Gibson and Paul Smith; sister-in-law, Sarah (Sally) Smith; brother-in-law, Doug Gibson and special friends, Heather, AJ, Chrissy, John, and Todd.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Reginald and Nelgene (Cline) Smith, sister, Sherri Gibson, and brother Reginald (Reggie Smitty) Smith. 

The family would like to express special thanks to all the friends and family for their love and support showed to Tammy.