Michael Grant Smith

Michael Grant Smith, 80, passed away in the arms of his brothers as they were serving him at his home in Lehi, Utah, on December 30, 2024. He was born on June 17, 1944, in Columbus, Georgia, to Grant J and Virginia Austin Smith.

The eldest of four sons, Mike learned the value of hard work early in life. At just eight years old, after his father passed away from polio, he took on odd jobs to help support his family. Mike had an extraordinary gift for loving others, an innate ability to connect with anyone, and a sharp sense of humor that lit up every room. He never met a stranger he couldn’t turn into a friend and always made time to reconnect with those he hadn’t seen in a while.

Mike graduated from Lehi High School before attending the College of Southern Utah and Snow College. He later served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the East Central States Mission.

On June 10, 1966, Mike married Geraldine (Geri) Hanson in the Salt Lake Temple. They worked to provide a happy home for their family of seven children. They built several homes, with Mike as the contractor and Geri as the designer and decorator. With his exceptional people skills and natural ability to connect with others, he thrived in sales roles, always finding joy in helping people and building relationships. One of his favorite positions was as a sales representative for Sweet Candy Company, where his customers quickly became close friends. He also cofounded a construction company with his brother Kayl, where he combined hard work and camaraderie, and later formed lasting friendships with co-workers and found joy in being the honorary team chef while working at PMI.

Cooking was one of Mike’s many talents. In college, he cooked for his roommates and on his mission for his companions, with one rule: he’d cook, and they’d clean! Over time, he became the family chef, creating delicious meals and unforgettable memories around the table. His love of cooking extended to friends, scout camps, and church gatherings throughout his life.

After Geri’s passing in 2016, he met and married Jacqueline Terrell Jones, on September 15, 2018, in Alpine, Utah. Mike’s children are deeply grateful for Jacque’s loving care and companionship, which brought so much joy to his later years.

A passionate Brigham Young University fan, Mike cheered for his team through every win and loss. He passed this love for BYU sports to his children and grandchildren, making countless trips with family and friends to watch games together. It was a beautiful ending to 80 years of fandom that Mike lived to see his Cougars win the Alamo Bowl 36-14, a victory he celebrated with immense joy.

Mike had a lifelong relationship with his Savior, Jesus Christ, and consistently encouraged his family to nurture their own faith and connection with the Savior. He was extremely proud seeing all his children serve missions for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in various parts of the world.

Mike is survived by his wife, Jacque; his children: Tiffani (Matt) Price, Derek (Bethanie) Smith, Brandon (Stephanie) Smith, Brock (Jody) Smith, Regan (Katrina) Smith, Cody (Kelsie) Smith, and Lindsey Smith; 24 grandchildren; five great grandchildren; bonus children: Stephanie (Jared) Pinegar, Chris (Leah) Jones, Adam (Mandy) Jones, Jeff (Vicki) Jones, Emily (Brett) Sherwood along with their children and grandchildren; and his brothers Jerry (Marilyn) Smith, Tyler (Susan) Smith, and Kayl (Susan) Smith.

Mike is preceded in death by his loving wife, Geri, his parents, Grant and Virginia Smith, and his stepfather, Howard C. Yerke.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel located at 465 West 700 South, Lehi, Utah. Viewings will take place at the same location on Friday, January 10th, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., and on Saturday, January 11th, from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m., prior to the services. Mike will be laid to rest at the American Fork Cemetery.