Michael Wayne Smith was born in Cleveland, Ohio to the late William Leroy and Sada Mae Lewis Smith.  He was the second child of William and Sada.  An older brother William died three years before Michael’s birth. In 1953, he was joined by a brother, Charles Anthony(deceased).   Michael was raised in Cleveland, OH. He graduated from Collinwood High School in 1967, Home of the Railroaders.

Michael was drafted into the Army where he did basic training at Fort Campbell, Kentucky in 1969.  He was honorably discharged in 1970.  He returned to Cleveland and began to work for White Motors and Huron Road Hospital.  He met the love of his life Mary L. Barney.  As shy as he was, he asked her out and on May 19, 1972, Michael and Mary wed at St. Aloysius Church.  July 1973, the first of his two daughters, Shannon Nicole was born. His second daughter Mia was born in August 1976.

Michael went to Case Western Reserve University to study Security and Criminal Justice courses. In 1974 while he was laid off, a friend told him about the Cleveland Police Exam. Michael was hired by the City of Cleveland in 1977, the last academy class of that year.   After graduating, his first assignment was with the Vice Unit in the Fifth District investigating undercover liquor violations, prostitution, robberies, thefts, burglaries and other crimes. In 1980, Michael was transferred to the Fourth District Strike Force, investigating robberies, thefts, burglaries, assaults, and domestic violence cases. He had partners such as Dan Colegrove and Kenny Harvey to name a few.  The many seminars with the FBI and other forensic education aided in his many cases with the Cleveland Homicide Unit with his partner Det. Walley Everett were seen on television shows such as The First 48 and Crime 360.  Retiring in September of 2012 with almost 35 years of service, he finished his career being fair, respected, and well-liked by the many people he met throughout his lifetime.  He also was a faithful member of Eureka #52 Masonic Lodge and served as Master Mason of the Year.  He also faithfully worshiped with Citadel of Faith Ministries until his passing.

Michael became a grandfather of five grandchildren: Sierra, Chelsea, Danielle, Angel, and Javier. He was a loving and devoted family man.  His health began to fail him in October 2021. He survived a serious surgery that gave him a few more years with his family.  On March 31, 2023, his illness took a major turn. His daughter Mia, called his family, friends and loved ones to say goodbye.  He was unable to speak, but he motioned to his wife Mary and his daughters Shannon and Mia.  On April 1, 2023, Michael closed his eyes, and went home to be with the Lord. Michael left this world making lives better for others. After his passing, several people called to say how he helped them and so many others over the years with great appreciation and sadness.