Michael R. 'Squeak' Smith

Michael R. “Squeak” Smith, 77, of Morganton, passed away on Friday, Oct. 16, 2026, after a period of declining health.

Born in Alma, Mich., on Nov. 1, 1948, he was the son of the late John and Bea Smith. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Craig Smith.

Squeak graduated from Michigan State University and then entered the United States Air Force, where he served for 12 years, retiring as a captain and flight commander of F-4 Phantom jets.

In 1986, Squeak came to North Carolina in pursuit of pristine trout waters. That pursuit grew into a calling and a lifelong commitment to protecting and improving the environment. He served on the boards of several nonprofit organizations, including Table Rock Trout Unlimited, Trout Unlimited National, Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina, and Resource Institute.

Squeak was also honored to be part of Casting for Hope, helping to develop this nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting women with gynecological cancer.

Whether volunteering, fly-fishing a North Carolina mountain stream, or salmon fishing on his beloved Betsie River in Michigan with his river family, Squeak never met a stranger. Everyone he met became a forever friend.

The family extends its heartfelt thanks to Dr. Shawn Hamm, Amorem nurses Heaven and Erica, and Kay Brown for their kindness, compassion, and care.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Connie Hairfield Smith; his children, Heather Lynn Smith (Dale), Aaron Smith (Dana), Doug Hairfield (Mary Ann), and John Hairfield (Nicole); his grandchildren, Lilly Brown, Dylan Smith, Annabelle Hairfield, Parker Hairfield, Lena Hairfield, Adele Pond, and Evie Pond; his sisters-in-law, Angie Farr (Dick) and Sue Smith; his mother-in-law, Betty Davis; and many nieces and nephews.

A private service for Squeak will be held with a celebration of life to take place at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina at foothillsconservancy.org or Casting for Hope at castingforhope.org.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.sossomanfh.com.