This obituary was originally published on Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home.
Michael Charles Smith, 77, of Hope Mills, passed away on March 24th, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Fayetteville and lived in the area all his life. Mike received an Associate’s degree from Wayne Community College. In his early career, he worked in retail management, insurance, delivered potato chips and candy, umpired local baseball and softball, and served as a rural postal carrier for USPS for 33 years. He retired from the USPS in 2013, and many still refer to him as Mr. Mailman.
Mike married Mary Jean Melton in 1968, whose family knew him as Charlie Brown. In retirement, when dining out with Mary, he was usually known as the first M of “M&M,” or Mike and Mary,” whenever they were asked for a name at many local restaurants. In his retirement, he enjoyed delivering cars for dealerships.
He was Brown (Dad) of 3, Grandpa of 11, and Great-Grandpa of 3. His relationship with God began in April 1973, and his faith gave him great comfort throughout the joys and trials of life. He kept up with his family as they grew and dispersed around the country, calling all the children and adults on their birthdays to sing them Happy Birthday. We all looked forward to it!
Mr. Mike was a long-term member of several churches in the area and served as a deacon for years. He showed his Christlike love for each person that he met, in daily life and at church. He was a firm believer in Jesus and shared the Gospel with many. His favorite memory system for the Gospel is summed up in five letters: FAITH. To get eternal life, us sin-plagued humans must receive God’s Forgiveness. His Forgiveness is Available to all. There is no sin in heaven, and it is Impossible for God to allow sin into heaven. The way we can all get into heaven is to Turn from our ways and to God’s and follow him. Heaven and eternal life should be the ultimate goal for all of us, and it was the ultimate hope of Michael C. Smith, God’s son, a good and faithful servant.
Michael C. Smith is survived by his wife, Mary, his sons Michael E. (Jamie) Smith of Hope Mills and Christopher Smith of Fayetteville; his daughter Kelley (Mario) Ichaso, of Herndon, VA; grandchildren Joshua Bernard of Charlottesville, VA; John Bernard (Gaby) of Frederick, MD; Justin Bernard of Richmond, VA; Kaelin (Christian) Hernandez of Evans, CO; Grant Smith of Akin, SC; Graeme (Sage) Smith of Fayetteville, NC; Colin (Rachel) Smith of Danville, VA; Presley Smith of Fayetteville; Sarah Smith of Hope Mills; Bryce Smith of Sanford, NC and Nathan Smith of Hope Mills;
The family will receive friends from 10-10:50 on Friday, March 27, 2026 at The Village Baptist Church followed by a Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m. The Graveside Service will be on Monday, March 30, 2026 at 10am at Cumberland Memorial Gardens.
Funeral arrangements by Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home, 545 Ramsey St. Fayetteville, N.C. 28301
Online condolences may be made at http://www.jerniganwarren.com