David Lee Smith, 72, of Mauriceville, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family in love and prayers on March 18, 2020, at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Beaumont.
Born in Port Acres, Texas, on July 28, 1947, he was the son of Alvis “Dutch” Norman Smith and Bessie Ivy (Minter) Smith. David proudly served his country in the United States Air Force Special Ops from 1965 to 1971. He flew many missions into areas of Cambodia and Laos during the Vietnam War. After his military service, he returned to Southeast Texas where he held a wide variety of jobs. Through the years he worked as a police officer in Port Arthur, a Major for Orange County Sheriff’s Department, Newton County Chief of Police, and in the construction industry, both operating heavy equipment and supervising. David enjoyed creating beautiful things with his hands in carpentry and leather working. He also loved animals of all kinds and adopted or found homes for many stray dogs. Those that knew him best describe him as gentle, kind, humorous, and extremely passionate about the things that mattered the most to him. David loved his family dearly and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Alvis and Bessie Smith; siblings, Melvin Smith, Tommy Smith, Norman Smith, and Evelyn Mathers.
He is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Carolyn Smith; children, Shawna Jackson and husband Chris of San Diego, California and Tiffany Sterling and husband Jonathan of Mauriceville; grandchildren, Adalynne Dawn Jackson and Lorelei Davey Jackson.
Serving as pallbearers will be Richard “Buggar” Minter, Clint Mann, Dan Cowart, Kenny Smith, Ritchie Smith, and William Patten. Honorary pallbearers will be Tony Noah and Fred Bagwell.
David’s family would like to extend a special thanks to all the doctors, nurses, and staff on the 4t h floor South East at St. Elizabeth hospital and Texas Oncology for their extraordinary care and support.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital at 262 Danny Thomas Pl, Memphis, TN 38105 or St. Mary’s School at 2600 Bob Hall Rd, Orange, Texas 77630.
Condolences
Kathy
March 27, 2020
So sorry to hear of Dave's passing. I only knew him from the NCO message board, but I always liked his posts. God Bless his soul. ( Miss Kitty from the boards.)
Chris Jackson
March 21, 2020
Thank you Dave for your contribution to our country and for the family you helped create. We are going to miss our Pawpaw and will never forget the memories together. Rest easy Dave and thank you so much for everything, we know you are still with us.
Anonymous
March 20, 2020
Sentiments of Serenity Spray was purchased for the family of David "Dave" Lee Smith.
Monika Aka. Smokey
March 20, 2020
Monika Aka. SMOKEY sent a virtual gift in memory of David "Dave" Lee Smith
Claybar Funeral Home
March 20, 2020
59 files added to the album LifeTributes
Cynthia Mire Mcdonald
March 19, 2020
Rest In Peace Dave..You will be missed more than you will ever know. Give all our Classmates a warm hug from the rest of SFA Class of '65. We Love You :heart:
Nancy Marler
March 19, 2020
I so cared for Dave as he was a man of conviction and passion for his beliefs. You always knew where he stood on any topic and also a passion for his family and animals. Whats not to love about this man. God's speed Dave and may you enjoy the fruits of your labor. My love to Carolyn and his two daughers as well as those sweet little girls.
Sincerely, Bob (Aka Nyte_Byrd) And The Cf Forum.
March 19, 2020
Sincerely, Bob (aka Nyte_Byrd) and the CF forum. purchased the America the Beautiful for the family of David "Dave" Lee Smith.
Carrolyn White
March 19, 2020
Dave and Carolyn were special to me even though we never met face to face. Dave would come on and we’d converse because we had so much in common. He got a kick out of taking “little heifer” to eat crawfish and feeding his pet squirrels and taking care of all those dogs. A life well lived and now my prayers will be for Carolyn and the family. Gonna miss you Dave!:cry:
Nathan Merritt
March 19, 2020
My deepest condolences to all the family, friends, and loved ones of Dave. We worked together some years ago, had lots of fun times. I pray God gives each of you strength and comfort at this time and each day that follows.
Tiffany Sterling
March 19, 2020
52 files added to the album Pictures
Nanette Sonnier
March 18, 2020
Sorry for your loss, prayers for the family.
Nanette Sonnier