Michel R. Smith

Smith ~ Michel R Smith, 60, departed this Earth on November 10, 2024. Michel Ronald Smith was born September 26, 1964, in Jacksonville, Florida, to Robert Lee Smith and Phyllis Smith-Hicks. He grew up on the Northside of Jacksonville, where he attended Highlands Middle School.  Michel left the Duval County school system and attended Job Corp in Gainesville, Florida, where he received his high school diploma and later attended Florida Community College.

Michel was a member of Greater Zion Grove Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Willie Tucker (Ethel Tucker). He was baptized as a child. Years ago, due to his disability, Michel was forced to retire from Goodwill as a team leader.

He had a passion for cooking and creating different recipes to add to his food collection to cook in his dream restaurant. Michel loved spending time with his family and friends. He was very passionate about his grandchildren, and he looked forward to speaking with every one of them every day. Michel had a heart of gold and was always there to help or lend a hand to those in need. Michel laughed, and when you heard that sound, you had to laugh with him. He has never met a stranger because he showed love to everyone he came across.  

Michel was preceded in death by his father, Robert Lee Smith; grandfather, Conover Kohn; grandmother, Everlena Kohn-Freeman; stepson, Theo Lee Gross; stepfather, Jimmie Pool Hicks; step grandfather, Nathaniel Freeman.

Those left to cherish Michel's memories are his wife, Cynthia Barkley-Smith; children, Michael Smith Jr., Daisy Smith, Mya Smith (Tory), Robert Smith (Nebu), AJ Harris, Kevin McClary, Shaunta Jones; 14 grandchildren; mother, Phyllis Smith-Hicks; sisters, Marco Hicks-Brown, Mecca Hicks-Jackson (Andre), Magan Hicks-Barlow (Chris); mother-in-law, Betty Thomas; sisters-in-law, Velma Thomas, Phyllis Stevens, Gwendolyn Latour (EJ Latour), Lynette McClary, Selena Williams; a host of nephews, nieces, uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends.

Family and friends will gather to celebrate the life of Michel Ronald Smith, 11 AM Saturday, November 23, 2024, at Greater Zion Grove Missionary Baptist Church, 6317 118th Street.  Visitation Friday from 5 – 7 PM at The Church.  Interment 11:30 AM Monday, November 25, 2024, in Jacksonville National Cemetery.  Because of the love of his family, arrangements entrusted to J. E. Fralin & Sons Funeral & Cremation Services, 5065 Soutel Drive, 904.924.9400

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