Michael Ray Smith
03/21/1952 - 09/01/2021
Obituary For Michael Ray Smith
Michael Ray Smith of Asheville passed away peacefully on September 1, 2021 while in care at Givens Estates Health Center while suffering from Glioblastoma, a cancer of the brain. At Givens he received the most compassionate of care.
Michael was born in Revere, Massachusetts on March 21, 1952, the son of Ray F. Smith and Winifred Rieblin. By 1963 his family resided in Midwest City Oklahoma, and Michael was always an Oklahoman at heart. In 1984 Michael moved to Kansas City where he would meet his husband of the past 35 years while singing in a church choir. In 1992 they would move to Asheville, a welcoming city to LGBT couples. In 2011 Michael and Richard would legally marry in Washington DC, on their 25th Anniversary.
Michael pursued degrees in Vocal Performance while in Oklahoma and it remained his lifelong passion, even after his retirement from performance in 1994. In 1995 he joined the staff at Sonopress, a local manufacturer of CD and DVD. His greatest passion was his home and family, which included his husband, his family and friends, his garden, and his cats.
Michael leaves behind his loving husband Richard Edwards of the home; his sister, Kim Meredith of Midwest City; his cousins, Lynn Kimsey of Florida and Patrick Smith Of Minnesota; his many nieces, and his host of friends. All devastated by his loss and all grateful that he was present in our lives.
Let your memorial be an act of kindness offered in his name.
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