Michael Douglas “MD” Smith, 75, of Lakeland, passed away on May 6th, 2024, at his home with his loving Wife, Harriett, by his side. MD was born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama on February 21, 1949, to John William Smith and Hannah Maude Smith. MD moved to Tampa, where he graduated from Chamberlain High School in 1967. After graduation, he moved to Washington, D.C., and served with the Federal Bureau of Investigation from 1967 to 1968.
MD attended the police academy and became a uniformed officer with the Tampa Police Department on November 18th, 1970. During his sworn tenure with TPD, he served in multiple capacities, including Field Training Officer, Driving Instructor, and Traffic Reconstructionist. MD rose to the rank of Sergeant and supervised many young officers under his legendary call sign, “Adam 1.” Perhaps his favorite role was as the Sergeant of the Auto Theft/hit-and-run unit in the Criminal Investigation Division.
In 1994, MD met Harriett while she was working in the TPD off-duty office. The couple dated for four years and were married on June 12th, 1998. Harriett recalls MD’s favorite hobbies to include Alabama football, fishing in bass tournaments and spending time with his grandchildren, who lovingly called him “Grandpa Mike”.
On May 23rd, 2003, MD retired from the Tampa Police Department, but that would not be his last date of service. MD continued working for TPD in various capacities to include being an evidence tech, police community service officer and public service officer. MD also served as a reserve police officer and enjoyed working at Raymond James Stadium, for the Yankees organization and security for Congregation Schaarai Zedek. MD was selected as Reserve Officer of the Year for 2019. MD completed his final date of service from the department on January 24th, 2024.
MD is proceeded in death by his parents, John and Hannah Smith, and his daughter, Stacie Smith.
MD is survived by his wife, Harriett, Son Kenneth Smith, Daughters Kimberley Sullivan (Brian) and Kelly Daley (Scott). His four grandchildren Chloe Daley, Kasey Daley, Carson Marple and Carly Marple, as well as two great grandchildren, Caysen Daley and Mayleigh Daley.
Pall Bearers will be the Tampa Police Honor Guard.
Services will be held on Friday, May 17th, 2024
Congregation Schaarai Zedek
3303 W Swann Ave, Tampa, Florida 33609
Public Visitation 9:15 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Service 10:00 a.m. with Police Honors to follow.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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