It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Michael Wayne Smiley of Bella Vista, Arkansas on October 15, 2024, at the age of 69. Michael was born on September 10, 1955, in Lubbock, Texas.

Michael attended school primarily in Lubbock, Texas until his family moved to Morrilton, Arkansas in 1972 where he graduated high school from Morrilton High School in 1974.

Throughout his many years in Northwest Arkansas, he worked for Atlantic Southeast Airlines and FedEx Express.

While some may remember Michael as the biggest Texas Tech Red Raider fan in Northwest Arkansas, he had so many more passions.

Michael loved all things John Denver. In fact, as a young man, he took great pride knowing that many people thought he looked like John Denver. He loved road trips, snow skiing in Angel Fire, New Mexico, or sunning and relaxing at the beach in Orange Beach, Alabama.

He also cherished "Family Time", not only with his relatives, but also with many great friends. More precious than anything else to Michael was being Grumpa to his four grandbabies, Birdie Claire, Layne, Scout Marie, and Mikey Paige, and being all about them when they were together.

He was preceded in death by his son, John Michael Smiley; his parents, John Arthur and Lois Ann Smiley; his stepmother, Betty Fay Smiley; and his "fur babies," Jewel, Miley, and Bella.

Left to cherish Michael's memory is his beloved partner of 25 years, Shelly Patterson, of Bella Vista, Arkansas; daughter, Jessica Kruger and husband, Sam, of Pflugerville, Texas; sister, Carole Stoisits and husband, Richard, of Kingwood, Texas; brother, Phil Smiley and wife, Georgia, of Lewisville, Texas; four beautiful grandbabies; nieces, nephews; and his "fur babies," Blossom and Daisy.

You are invited to celebrate Michael's life at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at the New Life Christian Church, Highlands Campus, 15301 North Mount Pleasant Road, Gravette, Arkansas.

Arrangements are under the direction of Bella Vista Funeral Home & Crematory. On-line condolences may be made at www.funeralmation.com.