Michael Smithkey went home to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on January 05, 2023 at age 62.

Mike is survived by his two children, Michael Smithkey II and Ashley Gregory; sister, Star Connell and his grandchildren Brock, Peyton, Bella, Kenzie, Ashley and Presley. Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford and Pauline and his siblings Roy, Dave, Vicky and Rose. 

Mike was born in Lansing, MI in 1960 and moved to Lakeland, FL with his family when he was a child. He graduated from Evangel Christian School where he was a member of the basketball team and voted Prom King. Mike really loved to learn and following high school he was very proud to obtain his Masters Degree in Business Administration as well as his Masters Degree in Criminology. He was also a big fan of Jeopardy as well as other trivia games and enjoyed defeating those who would ever dare to test his knowledge. 

Mike was very proud to work for the Polk County Sheriff's Office where he started as a detention deputy before moving up to a patrol deputy, a homicide detective and retiring as a sergeant. He loved to share stories about the interesting calls he received from his time on the job and truly believed being a deputy is what he was meant to do. Mike was an avid sports fan and loved to talk about his Bucs, Gators, Lightning and Rays. If one of these teams were playing, chances are he was watching. More than anything, Mike just loved to talk about his son, daughter and all of his grandchildren. He was very prideful of his family and would make sure he let everyone know. 

As a man of Faith, Mike wished to have a celebration of the immortality promised to all by Christ. He would love to be remembered with funny, strange, or silly stories that celebrate what was good and blessed in his life. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate it if you could share a special memory on the digital guestbook. 

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