Mike was born Feb. 2, 1963, in Tulsa, Okla., to Joyce and JD Smith. He lived in a number of places growing up, but he considered home to be Springdale, Arkansas. He graduated from Springdale High School in 1981.
Mike married Michelle Winn on March 19, 1983, at First Christian Church in Springdale.
Mike served in the US Army as a cannon crewmember.
After an Honorable Discharge from the Army in 1989, he started his law-enforcement career at Leesville (Louisiana) Police Department. After two years he returned to Northwest Arkansas when Michelle’s military obligation ended.
He was hired by the Benton County (Arkansas) Sheriff's Office where he worked for less than a year before becoming a patrol officer for Bentonville Police Department on March 1, 1991. He retired March 16, 2018, as Captain of the patrol division. He held leadership positions in the criminal investigation division, SWAT team, K-9 division, and school resources.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a granddaughter, Addison Smith; and a nephew, Brian Ridenoure.
Survivors include his wife, Michelle; two children, (son) Cody Smith and (wife)Olivia of Bentonville, (daughter) Christine Smith of Lowell and (grandchildren) Jack and Cason, of Bentonville; and a sister, Karen Ridenoure of Winslow, Arkansas.
His passion was people. He loved training people, coaching people and spending time with people. He touched the lives of hundreds of Bentonville’s youth by coaching football, baseball, soccer, softball, volleyball and basketball.
Mike had a life-long love of the outdoors. Anything he could do with you outdoors – especially hunting and fishing -- he would.
Family, which came first, was the most important thing in his life. He adored his grandchildren. They didn’t call him grandpa; rather, they called him Captain, as did so many other people.
He had a talent for making people feel comfortable by making them feel like instant friends.
Even in the last months of his life, he served as an inspiration to others through the strength and grace he showed.
Leaders lead by example and he was a leader in every facet of life.In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to Bentonville Fraternal Order of Police (908 S.E. 14th St., Bentonville AR 72712) or the Arkansas Families of Fallen Officer Fund (Fallen, 200 Nm Main St., Nashville AR 71852).
