Michael Smathers

On Thursday evening, July 16, 2020, our community lost a unique individual that was loved by many.  Michael Loranzo “Meatloaf” Smathers, age 69, passed away unexpectedly at his residence.  Meatloaf had an infectious personality that allowed him to appeal to every walk of life.  He was an individual that loved people and he never met a stranger.

Mike’s family owned and operated Smathers Supermarket for many years.  When Mike was trying out for the Pisgah football team, Coach Boyd Allen bestowed on him the nickname “Meatloaf” which remained with him for the rest of his life.  Whether you called him Mike, “Meatloaf” or “The Loaf”, you were always met with a broad smile and knew that you had a fun-loving friend that was genuine.

Mike was the son of the late Loranzo Fryson and Frances Cogburn Smathers.  He was a 1969 graduate of Pisgah High School and continued his education at Gardner Webb University where he received a BS degree in business.  Following graduation, he joined his family business, Smathers Supermarket.  He truly enjoyed his position as butcher in his family owned business.  When Smathers Supermarket closed, he was employed by Chem Search.  He then became a food broker for Acosta Sales & Marketing.  Following that position, he enjoyed a 25-year career with Reser’s Fine Foods, retiring as a regional sales manager.  Mike was a longtime member and past president of the Canton Lions Club and was a past president of the Pisgah High School Activities Committee.  He was a member of Canton First Baptist Church.

“Meatloaf” was passionate about the beauty and landscape of his home.  Mike along with his wife, Cindy, will be remembered for the many social functions they hosted at their residence. Whether it was a small function or large gathering you would always be greeted with warm hospitality in a beautiful setting.  He took great care with his variety of plants and would be disappointed if anyone stepped on his hosta plants.

Mike is survived by his wife of 36 years, Cindy Pace Smathers; a daughter, Alexandria S. Whitman and her husband, Dylan, of Knoxville, Tennessee; two sons, Michael Jason Smathers and his wife, Dawn, of Canton and Nathaniel Underwood Smathers and his wife, Jenna, of Charlotte; a sister, Nancy Smathers Hall of Asheville; a brother, Patrick U. Smathers and his wife, Sherry, of Canton; two grandchildren, Mackenna Smathers and Bennett Whitman.

A memorial service for Mike will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 19, 2020 in the Canton Chapel of Wells Funeral Home with the Reverend Ray Shepard officiating.  Please observe Covid 19 requirements and social distancing.  Services will also be live streamed and may be accessed through Mike’s obituary on the Wells Funeral Homes website.

The family requests that memorials be made to the Canton Lions Club, P.O. Box 482, Canton, NC  28716 or to the Pisgah Activities Committee, No. 1 Black Bear Drive, Canton, NC  28716.

The care of Mike has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Homes and an online memorial register is available at “Obituaries” at www.wellsfuneralhome.com