Chad Michael Smith
July 24, 1970 - February 4, 2009

CHAD MICHAEL SMITH, 38, of Huntington, West Virginia, passed away on Wednesday, February 4, 2009 at University Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan due to complications from Wilson's disease.

He was born July 24, 1970 in Huntington, West Virginia, one of four sons of J. Roger Smith and Pamela K. "Jinx" Smith of Huntington. Chad graduated from Marshall University in 2000 with a Regents Bachelor's Degree and was attending The University of Toledo Law School in Toledo, Ohio at the time of his death. Prior to entering law school, Chad was a police officer with the Huntington Police Department for over 10 years where he attained the rank of Sergeant.

He was a devoted father, son and brother who loved to spend time with his children and who enjoyed volunteering as a youth soccer coach, was a former high school soccer referee and a huge Pittsburgh Steelers fan. Chad's true calling in life was law enforcement, whether proudly serving his community as a police officer or as a law student who wanted to continue his career in law enforcement by becoming a prosecutor after graduation.

Survivors include his beloved children, Jimmy and Emily, of Barboursville, West Virginia, who were the light of his life; his parents, J. Roger and Pamela K. "Jinx" Smith of Huntington; brother Roger and sister-in-law Jill Smith of Huntington and their four children, Maggie, Sam, Thomas and Eve; brother Matt Smith of Huntington; brother Tyler and sister-in-law Amy Smith of Huntington and their three daughters, Mina, Avery and Sophie; a very special uncle, Lloyd Burks of Huntington and very special aunt, Elaine Wilcox, also of Huntington. In addition to his family, Chad is also survived by his fianc'e, Shannon Obarski, of Huntington, WV and numerous cousins, aunts, uncles and the many, many friends that he made during his all too short life.

Chad never complained about his medical condition and always tried to keep a positive attitude to the very end. He had an infectious smile, sharp wit and keen sense of humor and will be deeply missed.

The family will receive friends on Monday, February 9, 2009 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Chapman's Mortuary in Huntington. Funeral services will be conducted by Reverend Andrew Magnusson on Tuesday, February 10, 2009, at 11:00 a.m. at Baptist Temple, 21st St. and 9th Ave., Huntington, followed by internment in Spring Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to Baptist Temple, 902 21st Street, Huntington, WV 25703 or the "City of Huntington Foundation, H.P.D. Fund", ATTN: Maxine Loudermilk, P.O. Box 1659, Huntington, WV 25717-1659.

Chad's family would like to express their appreciation and thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff in the critical care unit at University Hospital in Ann Arbor for their professionalism and compassion these past few weeks.