Michael Lee Smith

Michael Lee Smith

Mike Smith, at age 71, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Monday, December 4th, 2024, in Lubbock, Texas.  Mike was born on July 7th, 1952, in Grand Island, Nebraska, to Margaret and Charles P. Smith.  He was the youngest of three sons and brother to Robert and John, or as Mike referred to the family, Mom, Dad, Randy, and Johnny.  This was Mike’s world growing up as the family moved from Nebraska to California and eventually to Texas in 1957.

Having a child born blind and retarded was an incredible challenge for young parents, and they took special types of caretakers.  As with each and every person involved with Mike from his childhood to when he entered the Abilene State School in 1964 and later when entering the Lubbock State School in 1969, it took individuals with heartfelt compassion and selfless dedication.

When he was a toddler, it was this kind of love and care that Mike received from an elderly couple who owned a small farm in Alda, Nebraska.  We simply referred to them as Grandpa and Grandma Benning.  The Bennings loved Mike and would keep him and Johnny both during their parents’ vacations or weekend trips.  In California, Mike was accepted into the public school system with the help of a wonderful teacher named Mrs. Wall.  While these are just a few of the many people who influenced Mike’s life outside of his family, the ones who made the biggest impact and created a loving home for him since he was a young teenager are the dedicated employees and staff of the Lubbock State Supported Living Center.

Lubbock State School was Mike’s extended family ever since he arrived here in 1969, and his parents were comfortable in knowing that he was safe, cared for, and loved.  Serving as guardians following his parent’s passing, Randy and Johnny always felt strongly that this was Mike’s home and where he was most comfortable and safe.  Mike’s parents and brothers fought hard to keep Mike in the School, often going against the advice of others.  It is a decision that they never regretted.

There can never be enough thanks for the love all of the individuals at the Lubbock State Supported Living Center have shown for Mike over the 50+ years he has been here.  His brothers thank you from the bottom of their hearts and hope that Mike left each one of you with fond and wonderful memories.  Mike was a “gift of God to all of us.”