SR0017 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0017 LRB103 26087 LAW 52442 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Michael Neil Smith, who passed away on January 7, 2023; and

WHEREAS, Michael Smith was born to Neil and Barbara Smith in Vandalia on September 28, 1967; he obtained a degree in Business Administration from Greenville College, known today as Greenville University, in Greenville; he later earned a teaching certificate, a master's degree, and a specialist degree in Educational Administration from Eastern Illinois University; and

WHEREAS, Michael Smith first worked for the Keebler Company and Prudential Financial while coaching basketball at St. Elmo High School; after earning his teaching certificate, he taught junior high school history and high school business while coaching junior high and high school basketball in Oakland, where he later became the K-12 principal and finally the superintendent; he also served as the superintendent at the Tuscola and Beardstown School Districts; and

WHEREAS, Michael Smith loved setting goals for himself, including learning to swim as an adult, training for and running multiple half-marathons, studying Spanish with daily practice, donating blood five times a year, and golfing once a month for 46-consecutive months; he had his own brand of humor that made life fun; and

WHEREAS, Michael Smith is survived by his wife of 27 years, Shannon (Brachbill); his parents; his daughter, Ashton; his sisters, Nancy Mills and Cathy (Curt) Strange; his many relatives and friends; and his dog, Baxter; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Michael Neil Smith and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Michael Smith as an expression of our deepest sympathy.