Michael Antonio Hardaway Smith, Jr.

Michael Antonio Hardaway Smith Jr.

Born March 26, 1982 to Linda Hardaway and Michael A. Smith Sr. One year later Michael served as ring bearer at his parents wedding. Michael graduated from Detroit Community High School in 2001. He continued his education at Oakland Community College earning an Associate Degree in Business Management. Continuing with his education, he attended Davenport University in pursuit of a Bachelor Degree in Business Management.

Michael began his work career at Jeepers Restaurants at the age of 14. He worked his way to management when he was only a high school teenager. Despite his youth, Michael excelled in this position. Always seeking advancement opportunities, he branched out into other managerial positions at places such as Bed Bath and Beyond and Aldi Foods. McDonalds and Taco Bell a division of Yumi Foods he functioned as General Manager. Michael was a promoter and advocate for giving back. During his stay with each of these employers, Michael did find employment for a friend or family member. It is noteworthy he would fire someone as quickly as he would hire them.

Relationships with family and friends were a large part of what made Michael so endearing. A devoted brother to his little sister Tamara, the two were inseparable.

As much as he was a hard worker, he also enjoyed a great party. He hosted numerous game nights, barbeques, or acknowledging whenever an occasion required celebrating. His latest party specialties were the spiked Pineapple and Gummi Bears.

Michael had a penchant for speed and an enthusiasm with cars. This most likely began when he, perched on the lap of Michael Sr., would “drive” together before he was five. He would ask anyone to drive his or her car, especially if it was brand new, big and fast. Incredibly, rarely if ever did anyone deny his request and handled over their keys.

An animal lover he cared for them as his babies. He had a deep affinity for dogs, especially large breeds such as the Rottweiler, Bull Mastiff, Chinese Shar-Pei, German Shepherd and Doberman. His latest charge is a German Shepherd he named King.

Michael accepted Christ as his personal Savior at the age of 14. He later joined his present Church Home, Third New Hope Baptist Church. There he was a devout member, often seen in his preferred pew.

Michael lost the battle with chronic pneumonia April 4, 2014, surrounded by an army of family and friends who had maintained a constant vigil.

Leaving to mourn his passing are his mother and stepfather, Linda and Johnie Towns of Belleville, Michigan, sister Tamara Michelle Smith of Detroit, Michigan, grandparents Albert and Marie Hardaway of Detroit, Michigan, aunts Felecia Hardaway of Fort Washington, Maryland, Patricia Bracy (Harold) of Detroit, Michigan, Brenda Stewart of Detroit, Michigan, Carolyn Howard Hardaway of Canton, Michigan, Cherryl Hardaway of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Raina Jones (Steve) of Detroit, Michigan, Lisa Smith of Detroit, Michigan; uncles Michael Hardaway, Wendell Hardaway, Kevin Hardaway, Enoch Smith, Jr.(Julie), Terry Smith and Paul Jones (Christina), each of Detroit Michigan. Godparents Jacqueline and Oscar Lacey. In addition, there is a host of Great Aunts and Uncles, Cousins, other family and friends.

His grandparents Enoch and Ramona Smith, uncle Albert Hardaway Jr, preceded him in death.