Michael L. Smith

Mike was born in Encino, California, and spent his youth in Simi Valley, California until he went into the Air Force after high school. As a kid he loved his baseball and even pitched a perfect game at one. He enjoyed putting models together in his spare time. Even to this day he spent time with his grandson Liam working on them. 

 He served his time in the Air Force from 1974-1980. He was stationed in Germany rather than being sent to Vietnam because he was top in his class and was given the choice of duty station. 

 After returning to the states, he began work with Lockheed Martin. Within 5 months of returning, he met his wife Charlotte (Charly) and 10 months later they were married. They had decided on a wedding date so as Mike would never forget their anniversary. (8/1/81) having just celebrated their 43rd anniversary. 

 Within a year their first, Ian was born. They purchased a home in Palmdale, California and within 3 weeks their second son, Erik, arrived. Their third son Kyle waited till 1986 to arrive. Then in 1994 the surprise, son number four, Curtis, was welcomed. 

 By 2000 Mike had changed his career and they left for Pennsylvania. During this time Mike fell in love with driving a tractor trailer and traveling the country. The boys would take turns riding with him. These were great bonding moments for them.

 Mike made sure that each one of them knew how much he loved them and would be there whenever they needed him. He was truly a beautiful, kind, honest, hardworking, forgiving sweet soul. 

 He has now left a huge empty space in this family. That will never be fixed until we are made whole again. He leaves behind Charlotte, Ian (Olive, Lincoln), Erik (Brock, Liam), Kyle & Kristina (Kyleigh, Kora & Klaire), Curtis, Michael & Janine (Liam, Laila), as well as his sister, Mary Ann Burris. 

 He was preceded in death by his parents, William & Helen, sister, Linda Sanderson, brother, William & sister, Virginia.

 Relatives and friends are invited to his celebration of life service 12:00 pm Wednesday, August 14, 2024 at Hoffman Funeral & Cremation, Ltd., 2020 W. Trindle Road, Carlisle, where the family will greet guests after 11:00 am. Interment will follow the service in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville.