Mike - a truly beautiful and incredible person inside and out. It didnt matter whether it was raining, snowing or sleeting outside. If you were any where near Mike the SUN was shining! Thank you Mike for the previlege and pleasure of knowing you and being a friend. Thank you Norma, Griffin and Zoe for sharing Mike with us! Chad Murray

I will never forget Mike's beaming face when finally got him out on the wakeboarding boat this summer. He got to see his son jump and twirl and flip (and crash) as the boat sped along on a beautiful Saturday afternoon on Falls Lake. It was a major logistical effort to get him and the oxygen supply secured in the cabin. But it was so worth it! Mike you can now look down and watch anytime you want!

Lit a candle in memory of Michael R. Smith

Thank you Mike for instilling the love for music in our son Max. How he thought it was so cool hanging out in your "guitar room" for his lessons! Your memory will live on in all those who loved you. Heaven gained a wonderful angel. Rest easy.

Lit a candle in memory of Michael R. Smith

We have known Mike for more than 10 years through the scouting activities. Mike was a cub scout master for a while. This is so sad that such a talented great person passed away. I still remember that in many camping nights, by the camp fire, Mike was playing his guitar and boys and even parents were singing along.

Mike was a gentleman and always such a smiling, happy person. He always had something positive and upbeat to say ..... and that smile :-). We will miss him at GSK. If only we had more Mikes !!!

There are so many memories its hard to choose a favorite. Ive been reminiscing all day and I have cried a lot. Mike and I could cry together. He played in my daughters wedding and we sat on the front row after he played a couple songs and we cried as we watched the ceremony. I remembered when I arrived that day in my old pick-up truck with wedding decorations and coolers of beverages, I heard him playing The Ballad of Curtis Lowe. I finally relaxed and started to enjoy the day. When he played the Daughter/Daddy dance we cried again. Another great memory was a family ski trip to the mountains. We stayed at a place called A Big View, it was foggy and rained most of the weekend, never seen the view, we built a fire in the fire pit, played and sang, and enjoyed family time. He met my parents, sister, brother, and was loved by all. What a trip down the mountain Sunday morning, we still talk about it. There were many more memories as we worked and traveled together, snowball fights in the Ritz, karaoke at McGillians, boat house row with sissy Elmore, and singing Ill Fly Away in the park at RTP. He was a Great influence and will always be a part of me and my family. Bill and Hope Phillips

Mike was one of the most talented people I had ever met. He was so upbeat and funny no matter how many struggles he faced. I remember coming home with his daughter Zoe from Saturday gymnastics practice and we would all sit on the couch and laugh and Mike would play songs on the guitar for us. A truly remarkable man, I will never forget all the kindness and love he showed me.

A sweet man if ever there was one. A monster guitar player, naturally talented, gifted. My son, Dylan had the pleasure and good fortune to be the drummer in his band, Uptown Ace. No better people to play with for an up and coming young drummer. I enjoyed the few times he and I performed together but mostly I liked to talk guitar with him and listen to him play, Heartfelt condolences from the Scherr family. Scott Scherr

Mike was a great friend, always happy and ready to share a joke. His family meant everything to Mike and made his life complete. Til we meet again Mike. Love and hugs to Norma, Griffin and Zoe. You now have the best guardian Angel!

I remember when Mike first came to work at Glaxo as a temp. In all the years I have known Mike he always had a smile on his face - always willing to help others. Lifting prayers up for his family.

Mike was the kindest person & the best guitarist that we have ever known, we had a lot of good times playing and partying here at the house he will be missed. So sorry for your loss Norma & the kids. John (Homie) & Cooky

Heaven just got an incredible man. I worked with Mike at GSK for all of his 21 years. My wife and some friends of ours went to see one of his last performances, August 13, 2016, in the Margaret Delaurentis Band at Devines Sports Corner & Grill in Durham. Mike - you were a heckuva musician and artist. You are so missed! Doug Harward

I remember when Mike came to GSK. It was for a temp job of 2 weeks. He did ALL the work in one day and started helping others around him. He never left. He was that kind of guy. A smile larger than life, a positive attitude that was infectious. And his guitar! When he started having to travel to Philly he bought a guitar to leave up there so he'd have one when he traveled. We got snowed in on one trip there and 4 of us hunkered in a hotel room with room service and of course Mike had his guitar. Easily my favorite Philly trip! We lost a good one.