Michael Smith

Michael Howard Smith, Sr. passed away peacefully surrounded by four of his children and his loving wife at Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas on Tuesday, October 11th 2016, after complications of a heart transplant. Michael was born December 22nd, 1958 in Phoenix, AZ to Howard and Lea Smith. He graduated from West High School in Phoenix and went on to serve a 2-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. He married his sweet wife, Lauri Ferrin, in 1981. They moved to Texas in 1984 with their two small children and soon opened Do-It-Yourself Pest & Weed Control, in which they worked side-by-side for 30 years. They also founded and owned Plano Pets from 1992 to 2007, the business the entire family, including their 5 children, loved working in together. Other businesses were added over the years, including his favorite ventures, Smith Family Christmas Trees and Texas Woodman.
Michael loved coaching baseball for and with his oldest 2 sons, from T-ball to high school elite. He was proud of each and every young man on his teams. One of his biggest passions was music and he passed that on to all of his children, in talent and taste. He helped his wife and daughters form and manage the country music trio, Three of Hearts, who performed from 1998 to 2007. Michael loved the outdoors. Growing up, he and his family went camping in the White Mountains in Northern Arizona every summer and he continued that tradition with his children. He was an expert fly-fisherman, fire builder, wood cutter, s'mores maker, and bear fighter. He also enjoyed deer and dove hunting with his sons. Michael loved to laugh and had a big heart and eagerly helped anyone in need, whether family, friend, or stranger.
He is survived by his wife, Lauri Ferrin Smith, his daughter, Shelly Bowman and husband, Rich, his son, Mike Smith Jr., his daughter, Amanda Doellman and husband Chris, his son, Mitchell Smith and wife, Faye, and son Matthew Smith, his grandchildren; McKenzie, Braxton and Bailey Bowman, Ragen, and Hunter Smith, and their mother Sarah Smith, Rilea, Dylan and Barrett Doellman and Melissa, Colton, and Oren Smith. He is also survived by his mother, Lucy Leatrice Smith, his brother, Kenneth Smith, sister, Diane Asay and husband Bruce, sister, Cheryl Smith and husband Doug, sister, Kendra West and husband Kim, sister, Michele Watkins and husband Butch, sister, Pamela Shawkey and husband Chris, sister, Kimberly Squire and husband Mike, and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews and many, many extended family, in-laws, and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Howard Kenneth Smith and his older brother, Mario Rubinelli. A viewing for friends and family will be held on Saturday, October 15th at 9 a.m. followed by funeral services to celebrate his life at 11 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 2401 Legacy Dr., Plano, TX, 75023. There will also be a viewing at 10 a.m. and service at 11 a.m. in Phoenix, AZ on Saturday October 22nd at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 48 E. Ashland. He will then be laid to rest next to his father at Resthaven Park Cemetery at 4310 E. Southern, Phoenix, AZ.
In lieu of flowers, Michael would want to make sure that his youngest son, Matthew, was taken care of while currently serving his 2 year mission, teaching others of Jesus Christ in Denver, CO. Donations are greatly appreciated. Checks can be made to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. On the check or a note attached, please write "Elder Matthew Smith Mission Fund". Please mail to Bishop Jim Lucero at 2708 Sunset Cr. Plano, TX 75093.