Michael Christopher Smith
Posted: October 14, 2015
Chris Smith, 45, was born in El Paso, Texas on April 2, 1970, and died October 9, 2015, in Memphis, Tennessee. Chris spent his formative years among relatives and friends in West Point, Mississippi, but his quest for adventure drew him to live in many cities across the country including New Orleans, Seattle and Los Angeles as well as spending many months in the beautiful outback of Australia. He currently resided in Franklin, Tennessee, where he established a home with his loving wife, Katie, and their three year old son, Levi. Chris, a proud 1999 graduate of Mississippi University for Women with a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, was employed with Healthways as the Senior Web Developer. An authority in all things web-related, Chris’ vision and talent gave him opportunities to work with many prestigious companies, including Microsoft. Chris was an adventurer—he was creative, fearless and captivated by the beauty and excitement of the world around him. If he loved something, he gave himself completely, and that included his many hobbies. A competitive hang glider pilot, Chris was internationally ranked. He was a builder/pilot of drones and remote control gliders. A Harley Davidson enthusiast, Chris loved wide open spaces—from deserts and high mountains to the Natchez Trace. Chris was a kayak angler and delighted in fishing excursions with his compatriots—No one was better at providing an admiring audience with the best possible fish tale. As a photographer he was a brilliant artist. His photographs captured the essence and soul of his subjects. He told true, moving, and sometimes painful stories through the lens. Chris was a friend of Bill’s and a music lover—a huge fan of Led Zepplin. He found everyone interesting and worth knowing. He saw the extraordinary in the ordinary. With his humor, open heart and infectious smile, Chris was a genuine and loving friend to many. No one forgot his warmth and his smile, or his quick questions of concern—“Are you ok, man? Is everything all right?” He did not hesitate in saying “I love you.” No one ever called on him for help who was denied. He cherished life; he adored his family. He wanted everyone around him to be happy and secure. Little Levi was his treasure—the best thing that had ever happened to him. Quoting one of his friends, “Chris was a generous man with a respectable edge.” Chris is survived by his wife, Kathryn Marie Smith; son, Levi Adler Smith; mother, Gail Laws (Chance); father, Ernie Smith (Sue); brother, Brad Smith (Kim); step brothers, Stephen Laws (Erica), Andrew Laws (Chandler); Will Heath (Vanessa); step sisters Elizabeth Fuller (Byron) and Kim McQuagg. Additionally, he is mourned by a host of adored nieces and nephews. Chris will also be grieved by his beloved Golden Retriever, Max. His generosity of heart will never be forgotten, and his warm smile will brighten the memories who knew him. Visitation will be Wednesday, October 14 at 1:30 p.m. with a memorial service to follow at 3:00 at St Paul’s Episcopal Church in Columbus, Mississippi. Chris would have wanted his son to have his educational future secured. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested contributions to the education fund for his only son, Levi Adler Smith. For online contributions: https://bradsmith.dntly.com/campaign/levi-smith-education-fund Alternatively, memorials may be mailed to: Levi Adler Smith Education Fund, c/o Regions Bank, Attention Justin Casano, P.O. Box 231, Columbus, Mississippi 39703.