James Michael Big Mike Smith, 56, of Silsbee went to be with his Savior on May 10, 2008 at Memorial Hermann Baptist Hospital in Beaumont after a brief illness.
He was born on August 18, 1951 at the Orange Hospital in Orange, Texas to Thad and Verlie Leora Smith of Gist. Mike married the love of his life, Dottie Stephens of Silsbee, in 1973 and together they had one son, Michael Wade Smith, who was their pride and joy. Mike was a foreman for Triple S Construction and was admired by all that he worked with. Mike loved hard work and was always working at something, whether it was on the job or around the house. He was known as Smitty to many who had the privilege of working by his side. In his playtime he loved nothing more than spending time with his family, especially his precious grandchildren, Courtney, Melody, Jana and Brock. They are going to miss their Pops. Mike was an avid hunter, fisherman and loved riding four-wheelers. He also loved his special truck that he inherited from his dad and dubbed Old Biscuit . Dottie, his wife of nearly 35 years, was his Sugar Bear as he so affectionately called her. He sang and danced for her every day and never failed to leave her a morning note telling her how much he loved her. Mike will be remembered as being a wonderful husband, loving father, revered grandfather, beloved brother and son, cherished brother-in-law and uncle, hard worker, true friend, saint of God and Good Man. He actively attended the First Pentecostal Church of Silsbee, Texas. He loved his church family and they loved him. Watching Bro. Mike shout in his dingo boots was such a joy. He loved worshipping his God and did it wholeheartedly. He was working long hours and the last church service he attended required him to take off three hours so that he could be there. As soon as church was over he had to go right back on the job but that didnt bother him. He was glad to be able to do both.
Mike is survived by wife Dottie Smith of Silsbee, his son Michael Wade Smith and the daughter-in-law be loved very much, Lillian, and their four children Courtney, Melody, Jana and Brock, all of Stuttgart, Arkansas. He is also survived by his mother Verlie Leora Smith, brother, Charles Smith and his wife Linda, sister Mary Ann Meaux, sister Tot Askew and her husband Kenneth, sister Elma Lea Williams and husband Charles, brother Archie Smith and wife Angela, his respected in-laws Richard and Alma Jewel Stephens of Silsbee and a large host of extended family, friends and church family. He was preceded in death by his dad, Thad Smith.
A celebration of Mikes life will be held at 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, May 13, 2008 at First Pentecostal Church of Silsbee with burial to follow at Antioch Cemetery in Buna, under the direction of Farmer Funeral Home. Serving as pallbearers will be Bubba Meaux, David Meaux, Lynn Askew, Kevin Williams, Brandon Smith, Josh Woods, Jerry Shannon Smith, Shane Smith and Rusty Stephens. Honorary Pallbearer will be Brock Smith. A gathering of family and friends will be Monday evening, May 12, 2008 at 5:00 P.M. at First Pentecostal Church in Silsbee.
