Racine – Michael Leon Smith, 64, passed away peacefully on January 1, 2016.  He was born in St. Louis, Missouri on September 7, 1951, the son of Flora Lee Coleman and John Henry Smith, but has lived in Racine since he was a child. Michael graduated from Park High School and attended Boston College before earning his Juris Doctor at UW-Madison.

Michael was a man of many talents, some of which were obvious to everyone and others that were not. He was a skilled drummer and enjoyed playing improvisational jazz. He was inquisitive, creative and enjoyed helping others. Michael was an active and faithful member of the Wayman AME church, where he also served as a member of the Prayer Warriors and as the president of the Lay Ministry organization.  After leaving the practice of law, Michael enjoyed a successful career of service with the Racine Kenosha Community Action Agency.

Michael is survived by his son, Jonathan Smith of Racine; his siblings, Dave Minor of Ripon, Rev. Pamela Smith and Zennetta Harvey both of Racine, Valencia Harvey of Washington D.C., and Thomas (Donna) Harvey of Dallas, Texas; special friends, Daisy Young (Jonathan's mother) and Alan Chavours of Racine, and Deborah Hughes of Boston, Massachusetts; members of the Cotton and Perry families, as well as nephews, nieces and many other dear relatives and friends; and his many friends he has known through the Mount Zion House. Michael was preceded in death by his parents; his brother Zenda Harvey Jr., and sister-in-law Janet Minor.

Homegoing services will be held at the Wayman AME church at 11:00 a.m. on Friday January 8, 2016 with Reverend Earnest Ni'a officiating. Interment will follow at Graceland Cemetery. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Thursday evening from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., and then on Friday in the church beginning at 10 a.m. Memorials to the Wayman AME Church have been suggested.

It is with sincere gratitude and heartfelt thanks that we would like to acknowledge all of the staff, doctors, and nurses at Aurora Healthcare, Aurora Cancer Center, and Aurora at Home hospice for their kindness, caring manner, and devotion which they provided to Michael and our family.