Michael Timothy Smiley

Michael (Mike) Timothy Smiley passed away on March 12, 2024, in Jacksonville, Florida at the age of 71. Mike was preceded in death by his parents Talt Thurman (Ted) Smiley and Sarah Parsons Smiley. He is survived by his wife, Julia (Judy) Couchman Smiley; one son, Jonathan Michael Smiley (Elysse) of Campbell, CA; three grandchildren, Violet (11), Cora (4), and Graham (1) Smiley; two brothers, Mark Smiley, of Naples, FL, and Tim Smiley, of Sun City Center, FL; a sister Sharron Clark-Smiley (Jeff), of Columbus, OH; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mike was born on October 27, 1952, in Columbus, Ohio. He graduated from Canal Winchester High School in 1970. He subsequently enrolled in the Air Force ROTC program at The Ohio State University, where he earned a degree in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering in 1974. After receiving his commission, Mike moved to Columbus (MS) Air Force Base for pilot training, remaining there for his first assignment as an instructor pilot in T-38 Talons. It was in Columbus that Mike met Judy Couchman, his future wife. The two were married on December 15, 1979.

Mike’s Air Force career as an F-4 Fighter Pilot took them to Germany for numerous tours, as well as to New Mexico, Florida, California, and North Carolina. After retiring from the Air Force as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1996, Mike continued his Department of Defense career, working 18 years with the Department of Defense Education Activity. As a Facility Director, he was instrumental in building schools to support American military children worldwide before he retired in 2016.

A baptized believer from the age of 27, Mike was a tireless servant of the King, working alongside his wife in the kingdom at various congregations throughout the United States and Europe. The Smileys’ love for the Lord was always foremost, as they encouraged and supported local churches, opened their home to host fellow workers, and constantly sought to uplift and encourage many small congregations they were part of in Europe and the U.S.

Mike and Judy moved to Ponte Vedra, FL in 2017. Mike loved his life in Florida – playing pickleball, riding his bike, traveling, and hosting singings and game nights for church friends in the Smiley home. He was known for his good-natured humor, his love for children, and his ability to laugh at himself. He was a beloved brother, father, and grandfather to all who knew him.

Mike was a member of the South Jacksonville and Cypress Grove churches of Christ. He was a devoted servant, always willing to serve whenever and wherever a need arose. Mike’s influence continues to be felt by all who knew him, and he will be greatly missed by so many.

A Memorial will be held at Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Lodge Chapel on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. The family will receive visitors at 10:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations maybe be made in Mike’s memory to Sacred Selections (sacredselections.org) or to the Indian Christian Evangelization Fund, P.O. Box 3397, Ponte Vedra, FL 32004.

To view the livestream of the service please visit:

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