Michael Neal Smith

Michael Neal Smith, a loving husband, dedicated farmer, and community pillar, passed away on September 10, 2026, at his home on the family farm in Pendleton, Indiana. Born on December 1, 1945, in Anderson, Indiana, Smitty was the cherished son of Hugh E. Smith and Virginia Mae (Bright) Smith.

A proud graduate of Pendleton High School and a Boilermaker at heart, he earned his bachelor's degree from Purdue University, where his passion for sports truly took root. Smitty was an avid supporter of Purdue athletics and held season tickets for both basketball and football, always cheering on his beloved Boilermakers.

Smitty and his wonderful wife, Linda Lee (Pettigrew) Smith, created a beautiful life together on their farm, where Smitty proudly carried on the family tradition as a fifth-generation farmer. He spent many hours driving tractors, milking cows, crafting corn mazes, and nurturing the pumpkin patch, all while making the farm a welcoming space for the community. One of Smitty's proud moments for the farm was opening The Market 11 years ago.

His love of racing was special, he attended the Indy 500, Brickyard 400, and the Little 500, even sponsoring a car for many years. Smitty was known for his deep commitment to the community, having served on several agricultural boards, most notably for 40 plus years on the local co-op board, where he often found himself in the role of president. Smitty was also a proud founding member of the Pendleton Historical Museum.

In sports, he had a competitive spirit, playing basketball and baseball in high school, where his love for the game became important to him.

He is survived by his wife, Linda Smith; two children, Neal (Jennifer) Smith and Scott (Mindy) Smith; two sisters, Candy (Steve) Small and Cheryl (Randy) Jones; five grandchildren, Mitchell (Courtney) Smith, Mason (Abbi) Smith, Miller (Maddie) Smith, Kaeden (Nation Poske) Smith, and Khyla Smith; three great-grandchildren, Wesley, Carter, and Grayson; several nieces and nephews, and many, many close friends including Bob Hennis.

Smitty is preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation for family and friends will take place on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Bozell Funeral Homes and Crematory, Lahm Chapel, 211 East State Street, Pendleton, Indiana 46064.

A funeral service honoring Smitty's life will be held on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at the funeral home starting at 11:30 AM. There will be a brief visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will conclude services at Grovelawn Cemetery in Pendleton. 

Memorial contributions may be made to The Pendleton Historical Museum and The Madison County 4-H Association. 

Online condolences may be shared at www.bozellfuneralhomes.com.