Mr. James Michael "Mike" Smith

James Michael “Mike” Smith, 76, loving husband of Renee Gainey Smith, died peacefully Thursday, May 2, 2024, surrounded by his family at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, GA. Graveside services with Full Military Honors will be held Friday, May 17th at 10:00 am at M.J. “Dolly” Cooper Veterans Cemetery, 140 Inway Drive, Anderson, SC, conducted by Dr. Bev T. Kennedy, Jr. The Directors of Kennedy Mortuary, Laurens, SC, are caring for the family. Mr. Smith was born in Hartsville, SC, to the late James Marion and Janice Galloway Smith and reared by the late James E. and Evelyn Galloway Harrell. He attended USC in Florence, SC. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War and was awarded a Purple Heart. He was self-employed as a grain inspector for over 35 years. Mr. Smith cherished moments involving family as he was a true family man devoted to his wife and four children. He was an avid reader, loved sports, and enjoyed Western movies. He learned to love the Clemson fighting Tigers after most of his children attended Clemson University. Mr. Smith had a strong faith in God and was a member of West Hartsville Baptist Church. His family will forever miss his quick-witted humor, his light-hearted attitude toward life, and his loving ways. Mr. Smith is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 47 years, Renee G. Smith. Together, they built a family filled with love and laughter, which became the cornerstone of his life. He was a devoted father to children and spouses: Megan Smith Johnson (Walker) of Charlotte, NC; Keelan Smith (Ryian) of Greer, SC; Blake Smith of Greer, SC; and Rebecca Smith Haney (James) of Charleston, SC. His ten grandchildren brought him much love, joy and purpose: Elizabeth Johnson, Emily Johnson, Henry Johnson, Hannah Johnson, Palmer Smith, Emory Smith, Eden Smith, Shepard Smith, Hazel Haney and Mac Haney. He is survived by sisters, Betty Carol “BC” Smith, Barbara Weatherford, and Brenda Chapman, and a brother, James Harrell, all of Hartsville, SC. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Cindy Baumgardner, and nephew, Jason Baumgardner, of Chuluota, FL. He was predeceased by a brother, Ronnie Smith, and sisters, Ann Andrews and Betty Byrd. Memorials may be made to DAV (Disabled American Veterans) Charitable Service Trust, 860 Dotwick Drive, Erlanger, KY 41018, or Winship Cancer Institute of Emory Hospital, Development Office, 1762 Clifton Road Suite 1400, Atlanta, GA 30322.

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Mr. James Michael "Mike" Smith

March 2, 1948 - May 2, 2024