Patrich Michael "Mike" Smith passed away on March 21, 2026, after a hard-fought battle with esophageal cancer, surrounded by the love of his family, dogs, and “puddy cat”.

Over the last few weeks of his life, he was able to share many stories and fond memories of his life. He was born on January 3, 1957, in Houston, Texas, to Gladys (Carroll) and Richard Smith. Mike had fond memories of growing up on the oil field camp in Tomball, Texas, with his older brother Richard "Buster" Smith and attending dances on Saturday nights. Mike recalled his father taking him to bars as a small child, and one of the men, Gordon, making him a wooden cigar that he loved. Mike recalled growing up with his Smith and Carroll cousins and having a close-knit extended family. Mike remembered that his brother had red cowboy boots that he could not wait to get from him. When he was little, he wanted to be a fireman and spent most of his childhood playing outside and riding bikes.

Mike attended Tomball Elementary, Tomball Intermediate, and Westchester, and then graduated in 1975 from Stratford High School in Houston, Texas. Mike recalled that he was rebellious and loved rock and roll music such as the Allman Brothers, Pink Floyd, Humble Pie, Eric Clapton, Doobie Brothers, and Robin Trower. His first concert was Foghat. Mike grew up playing sports and enjoyed playing high-school football. Mike attended for a few years at Stephen F. Austin studying horticulture, but fished with his friends instead of attending classes. Mike's first job was at Wolf's Garden, and loved plants and gardening ever since. He spent much of his life working on golf courses as a Superintendent and in landscaping. It was at those golf courses in Humble, Corpus Christi, and Willow Fork Country Club in Katy, Texas, that he met many lifelong friends. He was a hardworking man who showed his love through everything he did.

Mike married his high-school sweetheart, Debbie, and they had two children, Amy and Patrich Michael Smith II. Mike enjoyed attending the children's sports games, taking them to movies, and cooking for them. Mike often took the children fishing and would have crawfish boils. Mike and his son have fond memories of numerous hunting trips. Mike recalled the days he found out he was going to be a father as the happiest days of his life.

Mike found his greatest joy in the outdoors. He loved fishing, hunting, gardening, and cooking/grilling. For a brief time, he had a motorcycle and stated that it was one of his favorite ways to unwind. He also loved watching movies, such as old westerns, James Bond, and anything with John Wayne. Lonesome Dove, Apocalypse Now, North by Northwest, Young Frankenstein, and The Godfather movies were some of his favorites. He also loved to read, and The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings are among his favorite books. Mike also loved animals, especially dogs, and shared fond memories with pets Scottie and Max. After his divorce, Mike met his "lovebird" Rebecca Hartless. Their favorite memories are from sitting on the back porch having a happy hour while watching the sunset. Often, this involved Mike grilling delicious dinners. They also enjoyed going out dancing and traveling.

In 2006, Mike became a grandpa to Elise. He enjoyed having Nerf gun fights, teaching her to ride a bike, and buying her first fishing pole. He also taught her how to slow dance. Over the years, he would provide her with life advice and tidbits of random knowledge. He was known as “Gramps” by Elise and his bonus granddaughters, Kylie and Jazzmine Colbert.

He was the kind of man who always put others before himself. He wanted to take care of everyone around him, and he did so without hesitation. He said the greatest piece of advice is to be true to your family and friends, and his most prized possession was his family. He collected "guns, fishing poles, and friends." He never met a stranger, and family wasn't just someone related by blood. Often, he would randomly bring over fresh-cooked or barbecued food, complete yardwork, or fix something that was broken for a friend or neighbor. If you saw him getting chemotherapy, he was often joking with the nurses. Even in the face of cancer, he showed incredible strength, resilience, and humor, fighting until the very end. Mike grew up in the Episcopal church and believed Jesus was one of the best teachers by "teaching love, kindness, and respect". Mike always remained positive and logical, and stated that the cancer brought his family closer.

He is survived by his sweetheart Rebecca Hartless, children Amy Smith (Brad Colbert) and Michael Smith (Heather Piernick), brother Buster Smith (Amy Smith), and grandchildren Elise Smith, Kylie Colbert, and Jazzmine Colbert. He is also survived by his many Smith and Carroll cousins and extended family members who will carry his love with them always. Mike's advice for others is to be honest with yourself, don't get pushed into something, be kind to your neighbors, and always be honest, truthful, and ethical. His last message to loved ones was "thanks for putting up with me".

Though our hearts are broken, we take comfort in knowing he is no longer in pain. His love, his strength, and the way he cared for others will live on in all of us.

A funeral will be held on April 27, 2026, at 4 pm at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Wimberly, Texas. He chose this place for his celebration of life due to the mission-style chapel.

Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; Love leaves a memory no one can steal.

"May the road rise up to meet you.

May the wind be always at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face,

and rains fall soft upon your fields.

And until we meet again,

May God hold you in the palm of His hand."

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