Obituary of Michael A Smith

Michael A. Smith of Palm Bay, Florida, passed away March 22, 2022 at Palm Bay Hospital.

Michael was born in Kansas, but lived most of his life in Freedom, Maine, with his parents, Phyllis and Ralph Smith. Michael joined the United States Navy after high school where he studied to be an engine mechanic. He served the majority of his time in the Navy in Vietnam as an engineman on an LST and on the USS White Plains. After his Navy service, he worked various jobs before attending college to become to a job coach for mentally challenged adults, a field he worked in for 32 years. 

Mike's main hobby was as an Amateur Radio operator, general grade. He had recently been studying for his extra grade test, the final grade in Amateur Radio. He worked during several severe storms in Maineproviding assistance in support to emergency communications. 

Michael also loved to do woodworking, mostly making beautiful wood pieces by scroll saw. Recently he started making pieces on a laser engraver and cutter spending hours working on projects he loved.

He was an avid fisherman and loved hunting with rifle and bow. He previously taught bow hunter safety for the State of Maine.

Michael loved fast cars and motorcycles. He worked on his friend's race cars at home in Maine. At one time, he was the photographer for Unity Race Track in Maine. A NASCAR fan, his favorite driver was Tony Stewart. He held season tickets to Daytona and Homestead-Miami Speedways and was able to see Stewart win his final championship at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

Michael is survived by wife, Lace, Jonathan, and 3 cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A celebration of his life will be held on Sunday, April 24th, 2022  at 3 pm. It will be held at the Ammen Family Cremation and Funeral Care, 950 Malabar Rd SE, Palm Bay, Florida 32907. A military service will be held on Tuesday, April 26th, 2022 at the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery at 3 pm. The cemetery asks that participants arrive 15 minutes early. The cemetery is located at 5525 US-1, Mims, FL 32754.