It is with great sadness that the family of Michael Neil Smith announces his passing on January 7, 2023, in Jacksonville.
He was born on September 28, 1967, in Vandalia, the son of Neil and Barbara Smith of St. Elmo.
After graduating from Greenville College (University) in Greenville, with a degree in business administration, he worked for Keebler Company and Prudential Financial while coaching basketball at St. Elmo High School. Michael quickly discovered a calling to work with young people and the realization that, “If your career involves what you love to do in your free time, it’s not really work.” He returned to college earning a teaching certificate, a master’s degree, as well as a specialist degree in Educational Administration from Eastern Illinois University. He taught junior high school history and high school business while coaching junior high and high school basketball at Oakland, where he later became the K-12 principal, and finally the superintendent. He also served as the superintendent at Tuscola and Beardstown School Districts.
Michael set high expectations for himself, and each year looked for new ways to challenge himself and to grow. Learning to swim as an adult, training for and running multiple half-marathons, studying Spanish with daily practice, donating blood five times a year, and golfing once a month for 46-consecutive months, with his last game on January 3, 2023, are just a sampling of his yearly goals. In the summer of 2019, Michael made a conscious decision to “pre-retire” for one year, made a list of “stuff to do and places to go,” and Shannon and Michael embarked on “500 Days of Fun” (www.500daysoffun.com) making memories that are irreplaceable. With his own brand of humor, Michael made life fun.
Michael’s greatest sources of pride were his wife, Shannon, and his daughter, Ashton. He watched Ashton graduate at the top of her class at Tuscola High School, and when she began her college career as a presidential scholar at The University of Alabama, he found every reason available to travel with Shannon to Tuscaloosa to cheer on the Crimson Tide and spend time with Ashton.
Michael will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 27 years, Shannon, of Jacksonville; his parents, Barbara and Neil Smith of St. Elmo; his daughter, Ashton of Tuscaloosa, AL; his sisters, Nancy Mills of Effingham, and Cathy (Curt) Strange of Freelandville, IN, as well as many relatives and friends. Not to be forgotten is his
ever-present dog and companion, lovingly known as “his son, Baxter ‘Moonlight’ Graham.”
Cremation was provided by Lincoln Land Cremation Society.
At Michael’s request, no service will be held.
Memorial donations may be made in Michael’s name to Beardstown Park District, 6 Armory Ln., Beardstown, IL 62618 or Beardstown Food Pantry, Sarah Engelbrecht, Beardstown High School, 500 E 15th, Beardstown, IL 62618.
Please visit lincolnlandcs.com to offer your condolences.
