Michael Lance Smith

Michael Lance Smith, 56, of Americus passed away Thursday, January 7, 2021 at his residence.

Michael was born August 25, 1964 in Tifton, Georgia, to Billy Hue Smith and Louise McBrayer Smith. He grew up in Tifton and Waycross, Georgia, and was a 1982 graduate of Ware County High School. Michael earned his Bachelors in Business Administration (Marketing) from Valdosta State University in 1987 and Masters in Religious Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1991. While attending seminary, he met his wife, Karen, and they were married in July of 1991.

Michael served as a Youth Minister/Student Pastor for over 25 years in several churches around Georgia.  He loved young people and working with them, investing his time in their lives to direct them toward a relationship with the Lord.  He was currently employed with Lowe’s in Americus.

Michael’s first love was his Lord and Savior, then his family and his friends.  He was passionate about being outdoors, and was an avid bass fisherman and backpacker.  He often said that he found his peace in God’s creation.

Mr. Smith is survived by his wife, Karen Wishnoff Smith of Americus; his parents, Billy and Louise McBrayer Smith; his sister and brother-in-law, Michele and Mike Beach of Tifton; two nieces, Rebekah and Nathan Hawkins of Jefferson and Lindsey and Ryan Phillips of Cairo; his mother-in-law, Jo Wishnoff of Matthews, North Carolina; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Janet and Ron Anderson of Matthews, North Carolina; his nephew, Brantley Anderson of Matthews, North Carolina; and many beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Funeral services will be held Monday, January 11, 2021 at 2:00 P.M. in the chapel of Albritton Funeral Directors with Rev. Carl Reimold officiating. Eulogies will be given by Rev. Royce Railey, Rebekah Hawkins, and Lindsey Phillips. Interment will follow in Oakridge Cemetery.

Andy Gill, Mark Gill, Tony McBrayer, Greg Thornton, Thomas Pirkle, and Paul Cooper will serve as pallbearers.

Flowers accepted or donations may be made to Phoebe Sumter Hospice, 126 US Hwy 280 West, Americus, Ga. 31719.