Michael (Mike) Fleming Smathers died at home surrounded by family on the evening of July 3 rd .
This year had been a health challenge from the beginning. Mike was born on August 4 th , 1941
to Eugene (Gene) Smathers and Loucile Smathers in the Big Lick Community. He was the only
baby to be born in the health center that was next door to the manse to the Calvary Big Lick
Presbyterian Church.
Mike spent his life being involved in community programs, education, and non-profits. After he
finished his Master’s in Divinity at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, he and his wife moved to his
first church post in Booneville, KY. While living in a few small towns in KY, Mike and Judy had
two children, he finished his second master’s degree, and he taught Appalachian sociology
classes at Lees Junior College. In 1974, the family returned to Big Lick to land that was bought
by his parents. He was an administrator for a multi-state leadership development project during
this time as well as he was busy building the family’s home. Mike became the Pastor of the
Calvary Presbyterian Church of Big Lick in 1979. Besides being a full-time pastor, he also spent
time helping with other aspects in our county like being a school board member and work part
time with projects of the Cumberland Good Samaritans. Like his father before him, Mike was
interested in helping with housing issues in our community. Therefore, in 1989, Mike with the
help of his wife, began a new organization, Creative Compassion (CCI), to deal with housing
needs of those less fortunate. He was the director of the CCI until 2006 and even after retiring
he served as the chief financial officer, administrative consultant, and board member. In his
retirement years, Mike wrote two books, “Adventurers in Faith” (renamed “ A Profile in Purpose:
Memoirs of an Appalachian Ministry”) which is the story of his parents and “Let Them Not Be
Forgotten” which is a collection of eulogies he wrote for community members.
Mike is survived by his wife, Judy Smathers, with whom he was married for 62 years, his
children, Susan Smathers (Bill Hutton) and Jeff Smathers (Maritza Smathers), his grandson,
Dylan Smathers, and his nephew David Konstam. He also has several young kids in the
extended family that he enjoyed.
Mike is preceded in death by his parents, Eugene (Gene) and Loucile Smathers, brother,
Charles Smathers, and sister Pat Smathers Konstam.
A Celebration of Life Service is being planned in the Hood Funeral Home for October 5, 2024.
More details will be released when this service details are finalized.