Matthew R. Smith

Matthew attended Tuskegee Institute in Alabama where he pledged Kappa Alpha Psi and graduated with a B.S. degree in Architectural Design. After graduation, he began his military service in the Air Force as a Commissioned Officer. During his highly decorated military career, he achieved an MBA from Texas Christian University and an MPA from Northern Michigan University. After completing 25 illustrious and distinguished years in the Air Force, he worked 20 years for Bank of America

as Vice President of Post Problem Management.

Matthew met Judy Andrews, the love of his life…his “Boo” (as he called her) in 1968. Even though Judy first thought he was “boring”, Matt’s magnetic personality and “gift of gab”, convinced her otherwise. She was his Queen and he was her King. His sense of humor was contagious and his laugh was infectious. They were married on August 16, 1969 in a double wedding ceremony with her sister Cheryl and Clinton Malone. Matt continued to mesmerize Judy for nearly 48 years.

To this union, two daughters, Pamela Marie and Michelle Elaine, were born. The love for Judy was only matched by his abundant and immeasurable love for his girls. His patience and love were always accompanied with guidance, good advice and a challenge to always persevere and do their best. He was so proud of Pamela, an Echocardiologist and Michelle, a Civil Trial Lawyer.

Needless to say, they idolized their father as well.

As a gifted communicator, he loved to question anyone on their ideas and opinions…mostly to see how informed they were on the issue. He had a passion for air planes, gardening, landscaping, outdoor barbecuing and travel. But his greatest joy was spending time with his 5 grandchildren. They could always

get his undivided attention.

Matthew is preceded in death by his parents, Matthew and Daisey Smith; sister, Janet Johnson; brother, Kermit Smith; sister-in-law, Nancy Smith and brothers-in-law, Tyrone Johnson and Michael Lacey. He is survived by his wife, Judy Smith; daughters, Pamela Jones and Michelle Peters (Robert); grandchildren, Kendall Jones, Kannon Jones, Kai Jones, Katelyn Peters and Matthew Peters; sister, Joan Lacey; brother, Donald Smith; and a host of brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.