Michael "Brandon" Smith

Mr. Michael “Brandon” Smith, 35, passed away on July 27, 2024, at Baptist Hospital. He was born on October 16, 1988, in Forsyth County to Michael “Mike” E. Smith and Kathy McNeil Smith. Brandon graduated from Carver High School, and after graduation, he attended Forsyth Technical College where he received his diesel mechanic diploma. While still in high school, Brandon went to work at Salem Leasing, Inc., washing and servicing trucks and trailers. After graduating high school, he worked for Horn’s Garage for many years. He gained a lot of knowledge and experience while driving a variety of trucks. Brandon has been around trucks, wreckers, and tow trucks since he was just a toddler. He loved all things with an engine in it. If it had wheels on it, he could drive it. His first job was at Kernersville Towing and Recovery in 1992 at the very young age of four years old. He was the “trainer” to our first employee. After taking a break from the wrecker industry, he was fortunate enough to learn from a friend about a job opportunity at OZ Logistics, where he was currently employed. He loved his job there and met some amazing people that loved him like family. Brandon never met a stranger and always had a smile on his face. Most importantly, he loved spending time with his family and friends when he wasn’t working. When the passenger seat was open, his fiancé Shannon always enjoyed riding in the truck with him whenever she got the chance. Brandon was preceded in death by three grandparents, Horace Eugene (Gene) Smith, Lena C. Mickey Smith, and Bonnie Whitaker McNeil; two uncles, Jimmy C. Mickey, and Ricky L. McNeil; and a special cousin, Sandi Hayes. He is survived by his parents, fiancé; Shannon Gilbert; aunts and uncles, Terry McNeil, Billy McNeil (Teresa), David Smith (Bonnie), Randall Smith (Beth) and Linda Mickey; cousins, Tabitha McNeil, Fancy (Chance) Burton, Eric Smith, Katie (Matt) Fowler, Rhonda Hayes (Mike), and Jay Mickey (Suzie); and his two fur babies, “Bailey” and “London”. A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 PM Friday August 2, 2024, at Loves United Methodist Church in Walkertown with Pastor Gary Styers officiating. The family will receive friends in the fellowship hall from 12:00-2:00 PM. Burial will follow at Forsyth Memorial Park.