Bryan William Smith was born August 12, 1993, in Monroe, MI. He was the son of Scott and Christy (Sharpe) Smith. Bryan was a 2012 Bedford High School graduate, where he excelled in football and wrestling. In football, he was a tri-captain his senior year and was named defensive player of the year in 2011, All County, All Region and Honorable Mention All State. Bryan started wrestling at the age of 6 for the Great Lakes Wrestling Club and was a very successful wrestler going into Junior High School. In High School, Bryan placed third in the Michigan High School Athletic Association Individual State Tournament in 2012, and fifth place in 2011. He was also named All Region and All State, both Junior and Senior year and All American his senior year. He also attended Northern Idaho College, which he wrestled for the national championship team in 2012-2013.
Bryan was currently enrolled at Monroe County Community College, where he was in the welding program, while working at Craig’s Affordable Tools in Erie, MI. He also enjoyed weight lifting. Bryan was full of life, and loved spending time with his friends, teammates, and family. He passed away Wednesday, February 19, 2014 at the age of 20.
Bryan is survived by his loving parents, Scott and Christy Smith. Brothers, Derrick and Jarrid Smith. Grandparents, Judy Sharpe, Ann and William Smith and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
The Bryan W. Smith Memorial Scholarship at Monroe County Community College was established by family and friends in 2014, and the scholarship was endowed in 2016. The endowment will provide scholarship support to an MCCC student who is seeking a degree or certificate in any program under the Applied Science and Engineering Technology Division. Strong preference is given to a graduate of Bedford High School (Bedford, MI) and a student pursuing a career in welding.
A listing of the past recipients from the Bryan W. Smith Memorial Scholarship can be viewed by clicking the button below.