Michael Duane Smith

Michael Duane Smith, Sr. was born in Augusta, Georgia on 7-12-1956. He passed away peacefully in his home on 1-22-2026 after a long illness. He was a husband, great grandfather, grandfather, dad, brother and uncle. Survived by his wife, Denise L. Smith; sister, Barbara Shearer Premseler; two sons, Michael Duane Smith, Jr. and Mitchell David Smith (Jamie); step-son, Weston Wallace McIntosh; six grandchildren, Morgan Dakota Smith, MacKenzie Delilah Smith (Brennan), Memphis Duane Ray Smith, June Arias McIntosh, Maverick Wyatt McIntosh and Mallie Drew Smith; one great grandchild, Cooper James Pike and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mike's spiritual journey of 18 years at Hoschton United Methodist Church included lay leader, Sunday school teacher and trustee. He was also chief cook for many church activities. Forever an outdoorsman, Mike enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and hiking. He once hiked the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Virginia.

His careers included owner of Ivan Allen Office Supply in Gainesville, Georgia. Mike was an active Rotarian in Gainesville. Later in life he was a top producing Insurance Agent in several states, a job from which he recently retired. One of Mike's passions was cooking for people for any occasion. He also had a great love for animals. During his lifetime, Mike nurtured 14 dogs. Mike was picked as a walk on to play football for UGA during his college years. He enjoyed golf, even working at the Masters and playing the course.

Services will be held on 1/31/2026 at 11:00am at the Hoschton United Methodist Church (12 Mulberry Street, Hoschton, Georgia) with refreshments following the service in the adjoining Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you donate to the Humane Society of Jackson County (PO Box 567, Jefferson, Georgia 30549).

Arrangements by Lawson Funeral Home, 4532 Hwy 53 Hoschton, Ga., 30548. Lawsonfuneralhome.org. 706-654-0966.