Michael Larry Smith

Michael Larry Smith

July 27, 1962 – July 27, 2019

Michael Larry Smith, 57, of Canton, GA, passed away at 12:17PM, Saturday, July 27, 2019, at Northside Cherokee Hospital, after a heroic battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born July 27, 1962 in Macon, Georgia to Willard Charles and Lou Ellen Smith. He was one of 4 children. He married Jennifer Santostefano on October 4, 1997, and they had a daughter, Emily Catherine, in April 2009. He loved and adored his family so very much.

Michael is survived by his wife Jennifer and daughter Emily of Canton, his twin brother Mitchell (Lisa) Smith of Canton, his sister Deborah (Richard) Gower of Stockbridge, and his sister Kimberly (Danny) Kirby of Ellenwood. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews and very special friends.

He served as a member of the United States Navy, stationed in Glenview, Illinois. While in the Navy, he studied aviation and electronics. He worked on aircraft electronics and was an avid volleyball player with members of his squadron. He served for 4 years and was discharged with honors in 1985.

After leaving the Navy, he moved to Southern California. He was employed by McDonnell Douglas, where he continued to work on aircraft electronics. After several years, he started working for a local water treatment facility in Laguna Niguel. He met his wife in Huntington Beach, shortly after he moved to California. They moved to Georgia in 1999, to be closer to his family. Michael was most recently employed as a Special Project Coordinator for Veolia Water North America, having worked there for over 17 years.

Michael loved spending time with his family and traveling. He was an avid fisherman, had an infectious sense of humor and good sense of rhythm. He would display some of his dance moves at the many father/daughter dances he attended with Emily. He loved cooking for the family and preparing delicious meals that were enjoyed by many. He made sure we always had a good glass of wine with our Sunday dinners. Michael also loved his pets (numerous cats and dogs) very much and would take in strays needing a loving home.

Memorial Services, with Military Honors, will be held at 11:30am, Saturday, August 24, 2019 at Christ Culture Center located at 315 Kelly Mill Rd., Cumming, GA 30040.

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