Michael Max Smith
Michael Max Smith, 69, of Charleston, WV passed away on March 14, 2023 after a long and valiant battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife Lynn (Walsh), daughter Jennifer Lynn Smith, daughter Laura Ann Smith (Ryan Marino), brother Mitchell (Tracy) Smith, sister Coleen (Tim) Wells, sister Candace (Everett) Ross, and numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and pets. He was preceded in death by his parents, Max Donald Smith and Gloria (Thornberry) Smith.
Mike will be remembered by many as a science teacher at John Adams Middle School and Sissonville Junior High School. Before moving to Charleston in 1981, he taught science at Grandview High School in Grandview, Ohio and Amanda-Clearcreek High School in Amanda, Ohio.
Mike was a proud graduate of The Ohio State University, and anyone who knew him was aware of his passionate love for the Buckeyes. Game day was always taken very seriously.
Mike loved his family and the numerous dogs and other “unusual” family pets that he generously shared his life with. He was an avid gardener, hunter, and fisherman. He was as comfortable riding a horse as walking. During many beach vacations, Mike was admired for the sand sculptures he built, including dragons, castles, and various sea creatures. He could often be seen with one or more of the family dogs walking in Kanawha State Forest, at Capitol Market, or on the grounds and trails at John Adams Middle School that he designed, built, and maintained with student volunteers. Mike was rarely seen without one of his souvenir pin-covered signature felt or straw hats and was fondly referred to as the “snake man” by the thousands of students he taught and people who attended his countless nature programs throughout the Charleston area and beyond.
A gathering of family and friends will be held on March 25, 2023 from 3pm to 5pm at Snodgrass Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Mike’s memory to Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association, the Kanawha State Forest Foundation, or HospiceCare. The family extends a special thank you to HospiceCare, who took wonderful care of Mike and his family during his final days.
Friends may share condolences at our website www.snodgrassfuneral.com. Snodgrass Funeral Home is assisting the family with these arrangements.
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Condolences to the family. Mr. Smith was one of my favorite teachers I still talk about to this day! I had him as a science teacher in the mid 80’s at Sissonville Jr. His classroom was filled with aquariums and different wildlife! He was very passionate about teaching and made it fun for us to learn. Prayers being sent for his family and friends. Rest among the wild Mr. Smith…
Mr Smith was my 6th grade science teacher, may he rest in peace my condolences to the family
Sad to hear of Mr. Smith’s passing. Both of my daughters were taught by him at JA; in back-to-back years. They always had stories of him and their classes; and due to the smart board, I always knew the weather! We have great memories of him being the Viking during trick-or-treat! Of their many teachers, I feel that Mr. Smith is one that they will always remember. I am sure that the loss of your husband and father is a difficult, painful one but I hope you can take pride in the number of lives he touched and that he lives on through the memories of his students and their families. You are in our thoughts, sincerely Stephanie Shahbandy (mother of Sabriyah and Samira Shahbandy).
Mr Smith was my science teacher at SJHS and then was a frequent substitute teacher for my son many years later at JAMS. We both remember how much fun it was to learn science from him. He was a very engaging teacher and you could absolutely tell that he loved his job. Sending his family lots of comfort and peace during this difficult time.
Mike, along with Mitch, were part of the St. Clair fishing crew. Our group has been going to Canada for many years fishing on lake St. Clair, but it was really just an excuse to get together and enjoy each others company. Mike was always a joy to be with. His boundless energy, ability to have conversations with anyone, his many stories of teaching and family (the one where the dogs brought baby opossums to the upstairs bed where Lynn was reading…makes me laugh every time), and his meticulous details on, well everything, were enjoyed by all. In partnership with brother Mitch, the Smith brothers exploits on the lake were always entertaining. Mike and Mitch would have more tools and misc stuff on the boat than fishing equipment, always prepared to make/fix lures or anything else that they could dream up to do on the lake. What a wonderful time they had together, and we have had with Mike.
We send our deepest condolences and wish you comfort in celebrating Mike’s wonderful life. We will keep him in our thoughts and prayers, and will know he will be with us on the lake.
Brian Neal – on behalf of the St. Clair fishing crew: Chuck Pullen, Jim Bell, Jim Racke, Jim/Derek/Trevor/Austin Schadler, Charlie Krift, Bob Lambert
Mike was our neighbor and friend on Carroll Road. He and his family have always been so warm and welcoming to our entire family. We are so lucky to have the Smith family in our lives.
Diane and Mark Pendleton
The West Virginia and Kanawha County Associations of Retired School Employees extend their sincere sympathy to you, the family, in your sorrow. Blessings to all.