Mr. Michael Thomas Smith, 55, of Charlotte, NC, departed this life on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, in Jacksonville, FL.

MICHAEL THOMAS SMITH was born November 2, 1969, to Marshall E. Smith, Sr. and Carol Smith, in Charlotte, North Carolina, and was laid down to "pleasant dreams" on December 18, 2024, in Jacksonville, Florida.

Mr. Smith was a 1987 graduate of North Mecklenburg High School in Charlotte, NC prior to attending North Carolina A&T State University where he attained his Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences in 1994. He also pursued an Associate of Arts in Culinary Arts from the Art Institute of Atlanta in 1997.

Mr. Smith's life was dedicated to educating and mentoring young men and women as he was an elementary science teacher, a science and math coach, a tutor, an assistant coach and tutor for an AAU basketball team. He was dedicated to helping students of all skill levels excel through personalized support and engaging instruction. Michael was knowledgeable about classroom management strategies, state-required testing and behavioral improvement techniques.

Michael's career was vast as he was a long-term substitute for the Charlotte Mecklenburg School System working with Eastway Middle School, Kennedy Middle School, and McClintock Middle School. He also worked as a long-term substitute for the Broward County Public Schools in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, working with Crystal Lake Middle School and Endeavour Primary Learning, as well as Duval County Public Schools. His career continued through his position as a Private Literacy Tutor and Kindergarten Teacher at David Cox Elementary in Charlotte, NC, along with teaching at Colbert Elementary School, and RSS Hurley Elementary. In addition to his teaching, Michael was a Recreation Assistant with Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation.

Michael was preceded in death by his father, Marshall E. Smith Sr.  Michael's life, dedication and kindness will remain in the hearts of those he leaves behind: a loving mother, Carol Smith; a brother, Marshall E. Smith, Jr. (Aquaria); a sister, Debbie Smith; nieces, Kai Richardson and Hunter Smith; a nephew, Marshall R. Smith; aunts, Sandra T. Walker and Dr. Brenda T. Thompson (Larry D. Thompson, Sr., Esq.); cousins, Michelle Walker, Donna Misenhaimer (Lamont), Gary Thompson and Larry D. Thompson, Jr. (Sophia), along with a host of other family and friends.