Nathan James Smith

Born May 7, 1979 in Kansas City Mo.  His parents moved to Florida in 1980 where he grew up in Deland and attended Deland HS.  Nathan was a gifted Student-Athlete who played basketball and volleyball. Shortly after High School he moved to Columbus OH to work with his dad in the family business of Chris Cakes Catering. He remained in the business working for the company in both Ohio with his dad and later in Michigan with his mother.

At a young age he was diagnosed with Bi-lateral Avascular Nucrosis.  A disease that restricts blood flow and destroys bone growth. In Nathans case he underwent experimental surgery at Duke University and later at the University of Michigan. Additional complications required a third operation. The resulting pain and attempts to control it left him in a battle with long term pain management and addiction.  He fought as hard as he could for as long as he could. He lost the fight on May 21, 2019.

He leaves behind his Mother and Stepfather Melanie and Trevor Muir of Clare MI.  Father and Stepmother Steve and Margie Smith of Buckeye AZ.  Sister and Brother-in-law Nicole and Kevin Bauer of Surprise AZ and nephews Jacob and Joshua Bauer who were the lights in his eyes.  Paternal Grandmother Marcella Smith and Clifford Smith (deceased) of Pocahontas IA and Maternal Grandparents John and Bea Prevallet (both deceased) and Step-grandfather Toby Modde of Perryville MO. as well as numerous Aunts and Uncles on both sides of the family.    Nathan tried all forms of treatment available to him. He often told us--"It's going to be OK. Worse things have happened to other people." In spite of it all we knew his heart was made of gold. We must move on without him now, but he will always be remembered with love.

The family asks anyone who reads this to donate your time or money or just your kindness to any local organization that is joined in the battle to help those like Nathan....Paying it Forward... That is what he would want.