Crowds are expected to line Henry County streets Thursday to honor an officer killed in the line of duty.
Funeral plans were announced late Saturday for Officer Michael Smith. The 33-year-old married father was shot Dec. 6 and died from his injuries early Friday.
Smith was a seven-year veteran of the Henry police department. He graduated from Henry County High school in 2004 and later earned a criminal justice degree from Clayton State University. Smith was responding to a call of an irate man at a dental office when a gunshot was fired, killing the man and critically injuring the officer.
“Those who love Michael describe him as a man who was easy going, witty, and personable,” his online obituary states. “He was a loving, caring husband, father, son and brother. A spirited man that loved super heroes and died a hero to many.”
Credit: Henry County Police Department
Credit: Henry County Police Department
Visitation is open to the public and will be held Wednesday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Cannon Cleveland Funeral Home, located at 2580 Hwy. 42 N. in McDonough.
Smith’s funeral will be Thursday at Glen Haven Baptist Church, located at 345 East Lake Road in McDonough. In February, the church hosted the funeral for Locust Grove Officer Chase Maddox, also killed in the line of duty.
Officers attending the funeral for Smith are asked to park at Union Grove Middle School, Union Grove High School and East Lake elementary, located across the street from the church, by 1 p.m.
Funeral procession route
Following the service, a procession will from the church to S.R. 155 and onto John Frank Ward Boulevard. From there, the process will continue around the McDonough Square, exit left on Zack Hinton Parkway, then turn right onto McGarity Road. Those wishing to line the streets for square in honor of Smith should arrive by 2:30 p.m.
Those planning to view the procession for Smith are asked to visit Cannon Cleveland Funeral Directors to pick up an American flag. The flags will be available Monday through Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the funeral home.
A private graveside service will be held for family and Henry County employees.
HOW TO HELP
For members of our community family who wish to pay their respects to Officer Michael Smith, his vehicle has been placed outside Henry County Public Safety Headquarters, covered and out of the rain.
108 S. Zack Hinton Parkway, McDonough, GA 30253
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made at any Southern Credit Union branch or the Henry County Police Department
Checks may be made out to “Officer Smith Fund” and mailed to: The Southern Credit Union, Attn: Officer Smith Fund, P.O. Box 1509 Fayetteville, GA 30214
Donations can be made online at: gofundme.com/support-officer-smith-fund
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