Joseph Michael Smith, age 47, passed peacefully into the Lord’s Kingdom on April 14, 2023, with immediate family at his bedside in Rocky River, Ohio. Michael was born in Meridian Mississippi; however, Fairhope, Alabama was home in Michael’s heart. It was there he enjoyed time the most with family and friends at home and on his boat in the beautiful blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
Michael was known by his close friends and family as a loving husband and father, an avid fisherman, and an accomplished businessman, with a giving heart, courageous outlook on life, and the ability to form life-long relationships. Whether fishing the world, vacationing with his family, or making business deals, Michael’s generosity and creativity were infectious to those around him. Michael was devoted to his faith and love for Jesus. Through his charitable work, he was a role model and always answered the call to serve others selflessly and unconditionally.
In 1997, he married his high school sweetheart and love of his life Angel Mercer. Their two sons Carter and Joseph were his pride and joy. He never passed up an opportunity to cheer them on at their sporting events, take them on adventurous hunting and fishing trips, and set an example that will last their lifetime.
Through an unmatched work ethic, Michael was an innovator and leader in the global shipping business. In 2010, he started his own company, ASF Intermodal, in Mobile, Alabama. Eight years later, ASF was sold to Container Port Group where Michael became President. He was quickly a beloved and trusted leader, always focused on succeeding in business through the growth of people. As a trusted servant leader, he was elevated to CEO of World Group in 2019, where his exceptional twenty-eight-year career in the transportation industry culminated. Michael’s passion for work was contagious and an inspiration to all. He had a tremendous impact on many people in immeasurable ways.
Michael is preceded in death by his grandparents, Everett and Patricia Smith and Aubrey and Jessie Slayton. He is survived by his beloved wife of 25 years, Angel, his sons Carter and Joseph, his mother Annie Marie Anderson (Terk), his father Steven Everett Smith (Brenda), his in-laws Robert and Gayla Mercer, his brother Chad Smith (Jennifer), his nieces and nephews Denver, Autumn, Nicholas, and Mary, and many other family members and friends whom he loved dearly.
Friends and family are invited to celebrate Michael’s life with services held on May 1, 2023 at 4:00 PM (CST) at 3Circle Church (10274 State Hwy 104, Fairhope, AL 36532) and a reception at the Fairhope Yacht Club (101 Volanta Avenue, Fairhope, AL 36532) immediately following. The service will also be livestreamed at live.3circlechurch.com
After a courageous four-year battle with brain cancer, Michael’s giving spirit and legacy will continue through anatomical donations to Harvard’s Brain Tumor Resource Center and the University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences to further glioblastoma research.
In lieu of flowers, his family requests you please enjoy a special meal with your loved ones, donate to your favorite charity, or perform an act of kindness to a stranger in Michael’s honor. (440) 333-9774 www.buschcares.com
