WILMINGTON — Michael William Smith, 72, of Wilmington, N.C. died on Tuesday, July 23, 2024.
He was born in Wilmington at James Walker Memorial Hospital, November 9, 1951, to the late Paul Jones Smith and Hazel Margaret Hill Smith Lewis. He is survived by his loving wife, Celeste Roberson Smith, two sisters, Cheryl Margaret Lofgren (Laif ) and Janice Ann Hincke (Norman) both of Wilmington, N.C., a niece, Margaret Ellen Chadwick, (Greg Wiley) of Cary, N.C. Michael’s niece, Julie Ann Bowden of Wilmington, North Carolina preceded him in death in 2009.
Michael was born and raised in the beautiful community of Castle Hayne, on a 60 acre farm and research station. At the time, a very rural simple community consisting of tobacco, flower and produce farms, good people and honorable values. He looked back on those years as a real blessing. He graduated from New Hanover High School in 1970, followed by UNC-W School of Nursing. Michael was the first male student accepted into the nursing program and to graduate at UNC-W. Within eighteen months of graduating from nursing school he moved to England and worked as a staff nurse at the Worcester Royal Infirmary in Worcestershire, England. This experience also allowed him time to connect with his mother’s family in Malvern. England.
Upon his return to the U.S. in 1975, Michael returned to school to resume his education and training in anesthesia. In 1979, Michael graduated from Durham County General Hospital Anesthesia Program for Nurses in Durham, N.C., now part of Duke. Michael believed his anesthesia career was a gift and absolutely the right career decision for him. He loved his role in the healthcare arena, both as a RN and then as a CRNA, from the first to the last day he worked and was thankful for his chosen career. Although the majority of his working years occurred at New Hanover Regional Medical Center, that service was broken up over the years working five years as the Chief Nurse Anesthetist at The Brunswick Hospital, two years as a locum tenens, which took him to many varied locations across the United States, including a most rewarding assignment with the Indian Health Service, in Gallop, New Mexico, on the Zuni and Navajo reservation.
Before returning to New Hanover Regional Medical Center to finish out his career, he enjoyed five satisfying years working at Cape Fear Memorial Hospital. During that time it was an outstanding general hospital. After his retirement, he found time to pursue his enjoyment and love for the art of photography. He started, Michael W. Smith Photography, and produced as his first commercial venture, a 15 month 2019 calendar of Historic Homes in Wilmington. The calendar was a celebration of his love of architecture and the community he called home since 1978, after purchasing and restoring an 1899 Queen Anne house, the Whitehead-Smith Home on South Second Street. The Historic District residential community of diverse, fun and interesting people was indeed a gift to both he and his wife. So many great friendships forged, both past and present, as the neighborhood developed over the years.
As a passionate preservationist and resident, Michael served on the Historic Preservation Commission for four years, contributing to the maintenance of the standards and integrity of this exceptional community. In 2024 Michael was rightfully awarded the “Catherine Howell Award” by the Historic Wilmington Foundation. This award recognizes someone for their leadership and significant contributions to the Historic Wilmington Foundation mission that consequently greatly further the cause of preservation in the Lower Cape Fear region.
A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, August 18, 2024 at 1 p.m. at Fifth Avenue United Methodist Church, 409 South 5th Avenue. The service will be conducted by, Reverend Phil Streuter and Reverend Canon Victor Frederiksen, with music under the direction of Barbara Gallagher, Basilica of Saint Mary. Following the service we invite family and friends to join us at the Cape Fear Country Club for a time of remembrance. At this time we will invite you to share your favorite stories/memories of times with Michael. If you have a favorite picture of Michael or one with you and him we request that you bring it along.
In lieu of flowers, should anyone wish to make a donation, the following organizations were special to and supported by Michael and Celeste: The Carousel Center, Historic Wilmington Foundation, Domestic Violence Shelter, and Razom for Ukraine. Razom, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization. 140 2nd Ave., Suite 305, New York, NY 10003
