Matthew Walter Smith, age 52, passed away on July 29, 2026, at Trinity Health Ann Arbor Hospital. He was born on November 22, 1973, in Ypsilanti, Michigan, to Richard and Brenda (Barnickel) Smith.

Matthew worked as a freelance brick mason and took pride in his craft. In his free time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and especially bow hunting. He also loved playing guitar and listening to rock and roll music.

He is survived by his sister, Joanne Trierweiler; his son, Colton Smith; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Matthew was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Brenda Smith; grandparents Thelma (Hubbard) Smith, Leo Smith, Arvel Barnickel, and William “Bud” Pruett; his sister, Regina Brown; and his nephew, Bryan Ratliff.

Ridin' down the highway

Goin' to a show

Stoppin' on the byways

Playin' rock 'n' roll

Gettin' robbed, gettin' stoned

Gettin' beat up, broken-boned

Gettin' had, gettin' took

I tell you, folks, it's harder than it looks

It's a long way to the top if you wanna rock 'n' roll

It's a long way to the top if you wanna rock 'n' roll

If you think it's easy doin' one-night stands

Try playin' in a rock-roll band

It's a long way to the top if you wanna rock 'n' roll

Hotel, motel

Make you wanna cry

Ladies do the hard sell

Know the reason why

Gettin' old, gettin' grey

Gettin' ripped off, underpaid

Gettin' sold, second-hand

That's how it goes, playin' in a band

It's a long way to the top if you wanna rock 'n' roll

It's a long way to the top if you wanna rock 'n' roll

If you wanna be a star of stage and screen

Look out, it's rough and mean

It's a long way to the top if you wanna rock 'n' roll

It's a long way to the top if you wanna rock 'n' roll

Well, it's a long way

Yeah, it's a long way, you should have told me

It's a long way

Such a long way